Continuous delays in repairing roads riddled with potholes caused by torrential rainfall have triggered a tailback stretching 15 kilometres on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, causing severe suffering to thousands of passengers and transport workers.

The congestion began early Friday from the Mainamati area and stretched to Suagazi in Sadar south upazila, with long queues of vehicles seen on both lanes.

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Anisur Rahman (SI), Mainamati Highway Crossing Police Station, said vehicles were moving slowly due to repair work, although the congestion was not permanent.

Almas Khan, a businessman returning to Dhaka from Feni, said he got stuck in traffic at Paduar Bazar around noon and took two and a half hours to reach Mainamati. Several ambulances carrying patients were also seen stuck in the congestion.

A police report said rainwater had created large potholes near Amtali, close to Cumilla Cantonment, forcing Dhaka-bound vehicles to move slowly. Some vehicles attempted to drive on the wrong side, affecting the Chattogram-bound lane as well.

Police deployed two mobile teams and additional personnel at key points to control the situation.

Kirtiman Chakma (ASP), Highway Police Cumilla Region, said continuous rain over the past three to four weeks had severely damaged the road. At least four cargo trucks became stuck in potholes over the past two days, causing prolonged disruptions while being removed by tow trucks.