Ashulia's service lane lies empty while long queues form behind

With a dedicated 'service lane' built at a considerable cost to ease congestion on the Dhaka–Aricha and Nabinagar–Chandra highways in Ashulia and to ensure disciplined movement of local vehicles, yet congestion at some points keeps on giving commuters pain.

The city commuters are reaping none of its benefits. Most public transport buses ignore the service lane and instead block the main highway to pick up and drop off passengers. As a result, long-distance travellers and those who genuinely want to use the service lane are forced to endure daily hardship.

A visit to the Bishmail area on the Dhaka–Aricha highway revealed a bizarre scene: the road ahead was completely empty, while behind stretched a long queue of vehicles. Although the service lane is separated by dividers, at the very entrance to the lane, buses stop right across it to board passengers. The same chaos repeats at the other end of the lane. Consequently, private cars, ambulances, and long-distance vehicles cannot move forward, creating artificial gridlock. This daily anarchy on the highway has become a routine ordeal for drivers and passengers alike.

Frustrated Passengers and Drivers

Ordinary passengers and locals have voiced strong anger over the mismanagement. They demand immediate legal action against the transport operators that are blocking the road and creating chaos.

Shariful Islam, a passenger in a private car, said: "The service lane lies empty right before our eyes, while local buses stop right on the main road, blocking it. Because of them, those of us who want to use the lane are stuck in traffic. This anarchy happens every day under the administration's nose, yet no permanent solution is in sight."

Rahat Islam, a student of Savar Government College, echoed the same sentiment. He said in frustration: "Neither the Highway Police nor the Traffic Police take visible action against the public transport vehicles that block the main lane to board passengers. That encourages drivers to create obstructions on the road. If legal measures were taken consistently against the buses causing this anarchy, order could be restored."

What Does the Administration Say?

Sawgatul Alam, Officer-in-Charge of Savar Highway Police Station, said: "Operations to restore order on the road are ongoing. The Highway Police and District Traffic Police are working jointly against the public transport vehicles that are blocking the main lane and creating artificial congestion. Regular cases and fines are being imposed under the Road Transport Act."

However, despite the administration's claims, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. Victims maintain that mere fines are not enough—only proper supervision and enforcement can make the highway functional and safe.