Traffic congestion in Narayanganj city is becoming increasingly severe as many drivers, including those of private cars, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and human haulers, continue to flout road rules.
To avoid the daily gridlocks, some drivers are choosing to travel in the opposite direction creating new traffic jams.
In addition, the situation is worsened by illegal vehicles parked along the roads, which are narrowing the streets.
This traffic problem has been affecting city residents year-round, with major roads such as Bangabandhu Road, Shayesta Khan Road, Nawab Sirajuddaula Road, and the Dhaka-Narayanganj Old Road experiencing frequent jams.
Several factors including ongoing roadwork, illegal parking, hawkers blocking footpaths, and illegal vehicle stands, contribute to the congestion.
During a recent visit to the area, it was observed that renovation work is underway along Bangabandhu Road, with piles of gravel, soil, bricks, and stones blocking parts of the road.
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As a result, one lane between Nitaiganj and Chashara is now unusable. At Rail Gate No. 2, traffic from Chashara is also being held up by ongoing construction, causing a queue that stretches back to Digubabur Bazar.
Auto-rickshaws and human haulers have been going in the wrong direction from Narayanganj Club towards Rail Gate No. 2, picking up passengers and slowing down the already blocked traffic.
Auto-rickshaw drivers said that rather than wait for long periods in traffic, they prefer to drive on the opposite side of the road, believing it will allow them to drop off passengers faster.
Siam Ahmed, a government employee, said that the lack of following traffic laws is making the situation worse.
He said that illegal parking and hawkers have already made it difficult to navigate the roads. The additional issue of vehicles travelling in the wrong direction is adding to the chaos, and the risk of accidents is increasing.
He urged the police and local authorities to take strict action to restore order on roads.
A local pedestrian, Rifat, mentioned that vehicles often drive the wrong way near Popular Diagnostic Center, Friends Market in Kalir Bazar, and Rail Gate No. 2, which leads to traffic jams and frequent quarrels between drivers.
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Ruhul Amin Sagar, Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic), said that road renovation projects are causing some of the congestion.
He said that renovation work is underway on various roads in the city. Drain renovation work is underway towards Rail Gate No. 2. Almost half of the road is occupied with soil, bricks, stones, and machinery, he added.
He also noted that work by DPDC in Chashara has resulted in soil being dumped in the area, further restricting traffic.
To address the issue, traffic police are conducting operations with the army, magistrates, and local authorities, issuing fines, making arrests, and taking action against violators.
Despite these efforts, many drivers continue to disregard traffic laws.
He mentioned that since August last year, many have been ignoring traffic rules and regulations, with cars that were previously prohibited from entering the city now being driven there.
However, the officer remains hopeful that once the roadwork is completed, the situation will improve and road order will be restored.