Severe traffic congestion has gripped the Narayanganj section of the Dhaka–Chittagong highway, causing significant hardship for commuters and drivers.
The gridlock began early Thursday morning, affecting the Chittagong-bound lane from Langalband to the Meghna Toll Plaza, with congestion stretching nearly seven kilometers, according to highway police and local sources.
Highway police and local sources said, the situation primarily to the influx of Hindu devotees gathering at Langalband in Bandar upazila, on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, to participate in the ‘Maha Ashtami Snan’ (holy bathing festival). Thousands of pilgrims have assembled for the two-day religious event, placing immense pressure on surrounding roads and the highway.
Abdur Rahim Mia, a driver with Tisha Paribahan, said the congestion had persisted since morning due to the festival, leaving vehicles stranded for hours.
Passengers have also expressed frustration. Sattar Miah said, vehicles had barely moved throughout the morning, forcing some travelers to disembark and continue their journeys on foot or via alternative feeder roads.
Julhas Uddin, in-charge of the Shimrail Highway Police Camp, confirmed that the congestion began in the morning and has extended beyond the Meghna Toll Plaza into the Gazaria area. He said highway police are actively working to ease the situation.
The two-day Maha Ashtami Snan festival, which began on March 25, concludes on March 26. A surge in the number of devotees on Thursday morning significantly increased vehicular pressure, exacerbating the traffic congestion as the day progressed.
