10km tailback on Dhaka-Chittagong highway as holidaymakers rush home

A traffic jam stretching over 10 kilometers has formed on the Narayanganj section of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

The increased traffic and the surge of passengers due to the Durga Puja celebrations have contributed to the slow movement of vehicles, causing significant discomfort for travelers.

On Thursday morning, the traffic jam was observed on the Chittagong-bound lane from Shimrail Mor to Langalbandh Additionally, congestion was reported at various points along the highway.

According to local sources, the passenger pressure on the road increased early in the morning due to the ongoing four-day Durga Puja holiday. As a result, traffic jams formed at several points, including Langalbandh, creating a nearly 10-kilometer-long gridlock.

Masud Mia, an auto-rickshaw driver who had been stuck in traffic for a long time, said, "I've only seen traffic jams since the morning. I’ve barely completed two trips. At this rate, I won’t be able to earn enough to cover my dues."

Rahima Begum, a passenger of Bondhu Paribahan, said: "I've been stuck in traffic since the morning. I even switched buses, but now I'm stuck in this jam again."

Kazi Wahid Morshed, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kanchpur Highway police outpost, said: "There are traffic jams at some points along the highway. It rained in the early morning, and in Langalbandh, vehicles are unable to move smoothly due to potholes. This has led to slow traffic in some areas and jams in others. Additionally, the passenger load has increased significantly due to Durga Puja, resulting in long traffic jams. However, we have been working since morning to control the situation."