Md. Nur Alam, Rupganj : On the Narayanganj section of the Dhaka–Sylhet highway, it is not just traffic — it is a complete standstill. Hundreds of vehicles loaded with goods worth an estimated Tk 100 crore remain stuck along a six-kilometer stretch. Transport workers using this route are suffering immensely.
Intermittent traffic congestion began on Wednesday (November 19) afternoon. The situation worsened by evening, stretching from Kanchpur to Barpa over a distance of nearly 6 kilometers.
According to the Highway Police (Sylhet region), the ongoing highway expansion work has resulted in partial road closures at multiple points. This has narrowed the roadway, obstructing vehicle movement and causing prolonged traffic jams. Additionally, potholes and large craters between Tarabo Bishwa Road and Barabo force vehicles to move very slowly, further lengthening the congestion.
Traffic pressure increases notably after noon and in the evening, triggering extended gridlocks. If a freight vehicle breaks down on any narrow section, the jam spreads quickly. Long waiting times for passengers boarding or alighting from both registered and unregistered vehicles, along with illegal bus and CNG stands, also contribute to the congestion. Drivers breaking traffic rules, including entering the opposite lane to move faster and forming multiple disorderly lines, worsen the situation.
Passenger Saifuddin said, “The traffic jam started around noon, and now it’s 7 pm. Vehicles are moving with great difficulty. I reached Kanchpur from Barpa after struggling through the jam in the afternoon. On my way back, I got stuck again.”
Laguna driver Bulbul Mia said, “I got stuck in the Barpa area of the highway around 6 pm. Even by 7 pm, I couldn’t reach Kanchpur.”
Shimrail Traffic Police Inspector Julhas Uddin said, “Due to potholes along the Tarabo Bishwa Road to Borabo Bus Stand section of the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway, vehicles cannot travel at normal speed. This often causes traffic congestion. When vehicle pressure increases, the jam spreads further. However, the Highway Police is working tirelessly to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible.”
