As many as 12 points in the Cumilla section on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, one of the busiest highways in the country, have been identified as potential points of concern for traffic congestion for Eid holidaymakers this year, reports bdnews24.com.
Homebound travellers may face delays on the 104-kilometre stretch of the highway from Daudkandi's Meghna-Gomti Bridge toll plaza to Chouddagram's Amzader Bazar, including the Bypass and Choumuhoni Bazar areas as well as the bus stands.
The Roads and Highways Department, Highway Police and the district administration have promised to ensure hassle-free Eid travel for all after considering these potential traffic congestion points.
Md Khairul Alam, superintendent of police (SP) of Highway Police's Cumilla region, said: "We've taken measures in advance to address the traffic jams at the 12 'hotspots' already identified. We hope there'll be no trouble with traffic congestion."
At least four points in Daudkandi Upazila have been identified as potential points for traffic jams.
The most significant one is the Gouripur Bazar and Meghna-Gomti Bridge Toll Plaza. The traffic congestion is often severe at these two points before and after the Eid.
After Daudkandi, Chandina Upazila's Madhaiya and Chandina Bazar-Bagur points are the most prone to heavy traffic. People travelling to Debidewar from Chandina Bazar jaywalk at those points, slowing down the vehicles on the road.
Local buses, cars, and autorickshaws also operate at those points, with indiscriminate passenger pick-up and drop-off, creating traffic jams. The same issues prevail at Eliotganj and Shahidnagar, slowing down long-haul vehicles.
Locals said Nimsar Bazar in the Burichang area can also be a place of concern for Eid travellers.
Traffic also slows in the Moinamati Cantonment area on the highway as well. Vehicles going to Sylhet from
Traffic movement and traffic jams are also seen at Paduarbazar area on the highway at Sadar Dakkhin Upazila during the Eid holidays.
Currently, construction work is ongoing on a railway overpass and a U-loop construction in the area. Therefore, people may expect traffic jams at Paduarbazar.
Passengers and drivers also expect traffic jams at the Suagazi Bazar area in the same Upazila, as the kitchen market in the area is situated adjacent to the highway.
Chouddagram's Miabazar and Chouddagram Bazar may also cause suffering for Eid holidaymakers. Meanwhile, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Amirul Kaiser warned that "every measure will be taken" to ensure a traffic jam-free Dhaka-Chattogram Highway during the Eid holidays. He urged everyone to try their best so people do not face difficulties while travelling on Cumilla roads.
