Gridlocks feared on Dhaka-Tangail-Bangabandhu Bridge Highway

Authorities are particularly concerned about the 13.5km section from Elenga to Bangabandhu Bridge.

In this regard, over 700 policemen have been deployed, and various measures have been implemented.

The Bangabandhu Bridge authorities have assured that they have taken comprehensive steps to prevent traffic jams during the Eid travel period. The Abdul Momen Group is currently working to make the 4km stretch from Elenga to Bangabandhu Bridge suitable for vehicular traffic.

During the previous Eid journey from April 4-9, 53 vehicles broke down, and several accidents occurred on the Bangabandhu Bridge, causing a 35km traffic jam from the bridge to Gharinda in Tangail.

The previous record shows a concerning trend, with 20 accidents during last year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, 59 during Eid al-Azha, and 83 during the recent Eid-ul-Fitr.

• 14km tailback on Dhaka-Tangail-Bangabandhu Bridge highway

Superintendent of Police Sarkar Mohammad Kaiser announced on May 26 that specific measures have been taken to keep the highway free of traffic jams. Tasks have been allocated to different departments, and field-level work has already begun. For the past few years, traffic to North Bengal has been kept one-way, with vehicles directed through the Bhuapur link road from the bridge to Elenga. Vehicles from Dhaka are arranged to board the bridge directly.

Mohammad Mizan Sarwar, general manager of Abdul Momen Limited, said: “4km of the problematic highway stretch were made usable last Eid. This year, another 4km have been prepared and will be usable before Eid, minimizing anticipated problems for homebound travellers.”

Ahsanul Kabir Pavel, the civil engineer at the Bangabandhu Bridge site office, said: “Fewer unfit vehicles crossing the bridge would lead to fewer accidents and reduced traffic jams. Drivers are being cautioned against waiting for tolls, which often causes congestion.”

Tangail Superintendent of Police Sarkar Mohammad Kaiser noted that several plans have been implemented to maintain smooth traffic flow this year. With the rainy season beginning and the movement of animal trucks and seasonal fruit-laden trucks from North Bengal increasing, over 700 district police members will be on duty 24/7 to manage traffic. Measures are also in place to ensure police presence during natural calamities, including rain. Emphasis has been placed on quickly removing any problematic vehicles from the bridge and controlling the movement of less important goods.

Additionally, roadside animal stalls have been instructed to relocate away from the main road to prevent further congestion, he added.