Tackling traffic congestion in Mymensingh city

Mymensingh city is historically renowned for its educational institutions. However, this city is nowadays known for horrific traffic congestion too. Traffic jam has now become an everyday experience for Mymensingh city dwellers, as battery-run auto-rickshaws, mostly unregistered, occupy almost all roads illegally. Commuters have to deal with severe traffic jams at Shambhuganj Bridge, Ganginarpar, CK Ghosh Road, Charpara Crossing and other important points even on weekends.
According to traffic police, the number of licensed auto-rickshaws plying in the city is around 7,000. But the actual number of battery-run three-wheelers is several times more. Unfortunately, law enforcers do not seem to take stern action against the unlicensed auto-rickshaws and there is hardly any move to conduct drives against them. These auto-rickshaws are increasing traffic jam day by day in this densely populated city. Mymensingh Medical College Hospital is an important place in the city, where people from far and wide come for medical treatment. However, this place is not free from traffic gridlock either. That this city is full of traffic jams is not unknown to the authorities concerned. The mayor, deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and the leaders of District Rickshaw Owners Welfare Association have held several meetings. But all their efforts have gone in vain.
A number of unregistered auto-rickshaws enter Mymensingh city every day from nearby areas through different routes. Sometimes the police block their movement, but the drivers somehow manage the situation and run freely in the city. Besides, the roads in Mymensingh city are not wide. There is also a shortage of traffic police in the city. Moreover, it is necessary to determine the specific places for the parked cars and auto-rickshaws. Even though the mayor has taken various initiatives to build footpaths but those are often occupied by construction materials due to which pedestrians are suffering. Apart from this, city residents often throw garbage on the roads, which is one of the causes of traffic congestion along with environmental pollution. We urge the authorities concerned to pay more attention to the above issues and do the needful.

Arnia Khanam Anni
Student of Govt Ananda Mohan College, Mymensingh,
khanamannia@gmail.com