Staff Reporter:

Traffic congestion is expected on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, as the construction of the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur highway’s four-lane upgrade in Tangail and Sirajganj remains incomplete even after eight years.

Drivers attribute the delay to the negligence of the contracting firm and a lack of proper oversight, while passengers believe the recurring issue could have been avoided with better supervision.

The project director, however, defended the work pace, claiming the project is proceeding as planned.

Meanwhile, to mitigate the anticipated congestion, over 750 police officers will be deployed along the highway, with additional measures set in place, according to the police superintendent.

The Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway, stretching 65 kilometers through Tangail, is a critical link between Dhaka and northern Bangladesh.

During Eid, the highway experiences a surge in traffic, as millions travel home, significantly increasing vehicle flow compared to other times of the year.

The road serves vehicles from 24 districts across the northern and southern regions, contributing to regular traffic jams during Eid.

MEASURES

Authorities have outlined various steps to manage the heavy traffic during Eid.

The highway will be divided into four sectors for better control, with 750 police officers ensuring safety and order.

In addition, bamboo barricades will be installed on link roads, and volunteers from the Tangail Labor Federation will assist in traffic management.

Despite these preparations, drivers and passengers express concerns about potential gridlocks.

Transport operators point out that in the rush leading up to Eid, drivers may speed, causing accidents or losing control on poorly maintained roads.

While the four-lane project has been completed up to Elenga, work continues on the stretch from Elenga to the Jamuna Bridge, heightening fears of delays.

According to police and sources, traffic jams could intensify if the toll collection system at Jamuna Bridge faces technical issues, leading to long delays.

In past years, toll collection problems at the bridge in Sirajganj have contributed to traffic jams in Tangail.

Additionally, poorly maintained vehicles often break down on the highway, exacerbating congestion.

Accidents, unskilled drivers, and the sheer volume of vehicles also contribute to the traffic snarl.

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION AND PROGRESS

During a recent site visit, ongoing construction was observed beyond Elenga, with laborers working at various points to speed up work for Eid.

A special focus has been placed on bridge construction, with northbound lanes being worked on at full speed. Vehicles are using the southbound lanes for the time being.

Laborer Salim, working on a bridge site in Analiyabari, confirmed that they are working around the clock, hoping to finish the work by March 18. “We have eight workers on-site, and we expect to complete the task on time,” he said.

At the Dhalatenga site, workers Khalilur and Sajib stated they have been brought in for intensive work. They are working fast to finish on schedule, they added.

An SN Transport bus driver expressed concerns over the ongoing construction, stating that proper police oversight is crucial to avoid traffic jams.

“If the work is not completed before Eid, we are in for a repeat of the traffic jams we experience every year on this highway,” he noted.

Another driver raised concerns over the lack of management. “Police duties are often lessened after August 5 across the country. If the police do not fully perform their duties on the highway, traffic will be a major issue.”

Rabuil Awal, project manager for Abdul Monem Limited, shared that 40% of the construction from Elenga to Jamuna Bridge is complete.

He added that the northbound lanes will be open before Eid, with plans for traffic to be allowed through by March 25.

Synthia Azmiri Khan, executive engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, explained that road repairs will stop 10 days before Eid. Additionally, the Govindasi road will be prepared for alternate routes.

Khondkar Iqbal Hossain, former president of the Tangail District Bus, Coach, and Minibus Owners Association, acknowledged that traffic jams are inevitable but stressed the importance of effective police and stakeholder involvement to manage the situation.

“Once congestion happens, we need immediate action to resolve it,” he said. Volunteers from the association will also assist in managing traffic.

EFFORTS TO MANAGE TOLL AND TRAFFIC

Ahsanul Kabir Pavel, executive engineer at the Jamuna Bridge site office, confirmed that the toll collection system will be operational throughout Eid.

“We will have nine toll booths at both ends of the bridge, including two separate booths for motorcycles,” he said.

The number of vehicles passing through the Jamuna Bridge is expected to double during Eid, from the usual 20,000 to 21,000 vehicles per day.

Walior Rahman, project director of the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur four-lane project, mentioned that although the project was delayed due to tender issues, work started in 2021.

The extension of the project timeline to December 2026 is expected, but he is hopeful the work will be completed by December 25.

Walior also assured everyone that the service lanes would be finished before Eid, allowing the public to benefit from the four-lane highway.

Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman emphasized that discussions have been held with relevant authorities to ensure traffic management on the highway.

“Over 750 police officers will be deployed along the 65-kilometer stretch of the highway in Tangail. Mobile and picket teams will also be active, and the highway will be divided into four sectors for efficient management,” he said.

Starting from March 25, police will work 24/7 to manage traffic, with continued efforts after Eid to maintain smooth flow and minimize congestion, he added.