Eid travel alert: These highways could be trouble spots

Today marks the last working day for government and private offices ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. A seven-day holiday begins tomorrow, Tuesday (March 17), meaning lakhs of people will start leaving the capital from tonight.

However, like every year, excessive vehicle pressure, ongoing construction work, damaged roads and mismanagement threaten to cause severe traffic jams and suffering on various highways across the country.

While the administration claims to have taken various preparations to tackle the situation, concerns among passengers and transport workers remain. According to information sent by correspondents from various districts, several major highways could be sources of major Eid travel misery.

Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway: A major obstacle on the road
The Nabinagar-Chandra highway is one of the main routes for people from nearly 17 districts in the northern region leaving Dhaka. Long traffic jams occur on this road every Eid. This year, besides the pressure of extra vehicles, the construction work of the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway could add to the misery.

Roads have narrowed at various points along the highway, raising concerns of slow-moving traffic. Bus driver Humayun Kabir said roads have been constricted at several points. If swift measures are not taken, passengers will face increased suffering during Eid.

Savar Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Shahjahan said considering potential problems, various preparations including deploying additional police have been made.

Chandra Intersection: Familiar gridlock at the gateway to the north
People from around 32 districts in the northern region travel via Gazipur, the entry point to the capital. Long traffic jams are a fixture at the Chandra intersection during Eid.

Highway Police say that sending vehicles from Chandra towards Tangail creates jams at Gorai and other places. This pressure then spreads back to Chandra, Nabinagar and Gazipur Chourasta.

Additionally, the unfinished construction work of the BRT road from Tongi to Gazipur Chandna Chourasta is a major cause of suffering. Work has been stalled for over a year and a half, creating mismanagement and security risks at various points along the road.

13-kilometre risky stretch on Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway
The work to upgrade the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway from Elenga to Jamuna Bridge to four lanes is still incomplete. As a result, drivers and passengers fear traffic jams over nearly 13 kilometres.

With ongoing construction of a flyover at Elenga and underpasses at various locations, vehicle movement could be slow. Police say they plan to deploy nearly 1,000 police officers on the highway to manage the situation.

Autorickshaw menace on Dhaka-Chattogram highway
The free movement of autorickshaws or easybikes on the Narayanganj section of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway could become a major obstacle during Eid travel. These vehicles frequently cause traffic jams from Signboard to Kanchpur.

Highway Police say regular drives are conducted against these banned vehicles, with an average of 20-25 cases being filed daily.

27 congestion-prone areas from Daudkandi to Chattogram
Highway Police have identified 27 traffic congestion-prone spots on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway from Daudkandi in Cumilla to Barabkunda Bazar in Chattogram.

Notable among these are Daudkandi Toll Plaza, Gauripur Bazar, Chandina Bus Stand, Nimsar Bazar, Paduar Bazar Bishwa Road, Mia Bazar, Chauddagram Bazar, Feni's BSCIC Intersection, and Sitakunda Bus Stand.

Police say special surveillance will be in place in these areas to control traffic jams and crime during Eid.

Slow movement feared at Paturia Ferry Ghat
Suffering is also feared at Paturia Ferry Ghat, the gateway to 21 districts in the southern and south-western regions. With repair work still ongoing at several jetties, loading and unloading vehicles onto ferries is taking more time.

BIWTC says 17 ferries are currently operational, and necessary measures have been taken to ensure hassle-free Eid journeys.

Police and the administration state that potential congestion points have been identified with additional police deployment, traffic control and coordination with transport workers.

However, the reality remains that ongoing construction work, excessive vehicle pressure and mismanagement mean passengers may still have to endure some suffering during this Eid journey.