Eid trips: Worries of congestion at Narsingdi section of Dhaka-Sylhet Highway

Bus drivers and passengers are worried about heavy traffic congestion in the Narsingdi section of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway during Eid journeys this year.

The Dhaka-Sylhet Highway typically sees fewer travel difficulties during Eid than most other major roads in the country. This year, however, Eid-ul-Fitr falls amid construction work meant to expand the highway to six lanes. The potholes and narrow alternate routes have caused vehicles to move slowly through the 55.6-km stretch of the highway running through Narsingdi.

Travellers and drivers believe that the construction work, as well as illegal shops and markets along the road, improper parking, and the unrestricted movement of three-wheelers could lead to heavy delays.

Various initiatives will be taken, including the deployment of additional manpower and the removal of illegal shops, in order to ease the suffering of homebound travellers, according to Md Abdul Hannan, the superintendent of police for Narsingdi.

The rush of Eid travellers is likely to cause congestion and inconvenience at different bus stands, bazaars, and the Madhabdi, Shekherchar, Panchdona, Shahepratap, Bhelanagar, Itakhola, Marzal and Baroicha points of the highway.

Italkhola and Bhairab Highway Police say steps have been taken by their respective police stations to reduce traffic congestion and prevent robberies and thefts during Ramadan and ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Additional police manpower has been provided to bolster law enforcing activities.

In addition, public service announcements are being made to stop three-wheelers from using the highway.

The situation is a bit different this year due to the construction work on the six-lane highway, said Narsingdi SP Hannan.

Changes have been made to traffic management at important points on the highway in coordination with the district police and the Highway Police, he said.

The SP said, “In addition, contractors have been requested to renovate alternative routes that are used for traffic during the ongoing construction work on the highway.

“Three patrol teams of the Highway Police, along with the district police, are working around the clock to maintain law and order on the highway.”

Hannan said, “We hope that homebound travellers and transport drivers will not suffer during their Eid trips.”