The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, a lifeline for the country’s trade and commerce, has been plagued by cracks and potholes, particularly along its Cumilla segment, causing serious disruptions to traffic and posing risks to road users. The 105-kilometre stretch from Chauddagram to Daudkandi in Cumilla is in an alarming state, with key sections in Chauddagram Upazila, including Noapara, caving in.  Besides, parts of the two-lane road from Nischintapur to the Cantonment area in Adarsha Sadar Upazila have sustained severe damage. This deterioration has forced drivers of various vehicles, particularly goods-laden ones, to proceed cautiously, resulting in slower traffic and frequent gridlocks.  Biman's capability in ground handling at ‘Third Terminal’ under scrutiny Locals report that traffic snarls and dust pollution have become a daily ordeal for commuters. In the Chandina Bus Stand area, a major portion of the road has collapsed, exacerbating commuter misery.  Beyond the highway, other regional roads in Cumilla are also in disrepair.  The 40-kilometre Cumilla-Sylhet Regional Highway and the 30-kilometre Cumilla-Chandpur Regional Highway are riddled with potholes and narrow stretches, making travel challenging for both drivers and passengers. Impact on Commuters and Drivers Jamil Ahmed Khandaker, president of the Cumilla Motor Association (Bus Owners’ Association), highlighted the severity of the situation, saying, “Several parts of the highway in Cumilla are damaged, causing immense suffering for both drivers and passengers.” People in Chandpur suffer as demand for concrete bridge goes unheeded He called upon authorities to initiate immediate repair work. Abul Hossain, a minibus driver on the Cumilla-Sylhet Regional Highway, described the daily struggles, saying, “The narrow roads, combined with heavy traffic and potholes, have become a constant challenge for drivers.” Abdullah Al Maruf, a passenger from Mujaffarganj, pointed out that while the Cumilla section of the Cumilla-Chandpur Regional Highway is relatively less damaged, the Chandpur section makes travelling extremely difficult. Government Response Suniti Chakma, executive engineer of the Cumilla Roads and Highways Department, acknowledged the issue, attributing the damage to recent floods and heavy rainfall.  “We plan to begin repair work within 15 days,” she assured. Economic Significance of Dhaka-Ctg Highway The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway serves as the primary artery connecting Dhaka with Chattogram, the country's largest port and commercial hub.  This highway facilitates the transport of goods essential for industries such as garments, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, which rely heavily on Chattogram Port for exports and imports. Illegal sand extraction in Feni continues despite political shift Some 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade flows through this route, underlining its critical importance for sustaining the nation’s economic growth. Ensuring proper maintenance of the highway is imperative for reducing traffic congestion and preserving its efficiency as a trade corridor.  Without prompt action, the current state of disrepair threatens not only road safety but also the country’s economic momentum, locals and businesspeople said.

A fire broke out on a moving bus on Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Sitakunda upazila on Tuesday. The fire started in the bus named ‘New Edition’ around 12 pm. Fortunately all the passengers of the bus managed to get down from it immediately. At first locals tried to douse the flames as transport movement was stopped on the highway following the fire incident. Also read: 60-yr-old Bangladeshi woman dies in Kolkata guest house fire Later two fire tending vehicles of Kumira and Sitakunda managed to douse the flames after half an hour. Md Nurul Alam Dulal, Senior Officer of Sitakunda fire service, said according to the bus driver and his assistant the fire broke out due to overheating of the engine. Most parts of the bus were burnt but no casualties were reported, he said. Also read: Fire at port city's Zahur Hawkers Market under control; 30-40 shops gutted

Hundreds of vehicles and commuters got stuck in a 20-kilometer long tailback on Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Cumilla early Friday due to three separate road crashes in the area. Elliotganj Highway Police In-charge Saiful Islam said the traffic congestion since 4 am today was caused by three accidents involving trucks at Chandina that took place in the wee hours. READ: 4 km long tailback of vehicles at Daulatdia ferry terminal A truck driver also died in one of these accidents, he added. Hundreds of vehicles got stuck which caused extreme miseres to the drivers and passengers. However, the traffic on the highway became normal after 3pm, the official said. READ: Hours of tailbacks are delaying arrivals of cattle in city markets, pushing up prices 

Rail services between Dhaka and Chattogram have been suspended since Tuesday morning, following the derailment of a freight train at Tongi junction of Gazipur district. Nur Mohammad, in-charge of Tongi railway, said that three bogies of the freight train veered off the tracks in the junction area around 10.30 am, disrupting rail services on three key routes -- Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Mymensingh. Read:Derailment: Rail communication between Khulna and rest of the country suspended Though authorities managed to restore services on the Dhaka-Mymensingh and the Dhaka-Sylhet routes, train communication on the Dhaka-Chattogram route is yet to resume. A relief train has already reached the spot to conduct the salvage operation. No causality was reported till the filling of this report around 1 pm.