DHAKA-CHITTAGONG HIGHWAY Traffic thrown into chaos

Impasse is what aptly describes the traffic situation on Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, the economic lifeline of the country, with 60-km tailbacks triggered by construction works of an overpass, rain and numerous potholes.
People using the highway have been suffering immensely because of the long snarl-ups. 
Since Friday, police said, about 60km hold-ups in Feni on both sides of the road were seen due to the under-construction overpass at Fatehpur railway crossing in Feni.
Transport leaders said till Sunday 9:00pm traffic congestion was seen at Darogarhat of Sitakunda, Fatehpur of Feni Daudkandi and Meghna toll plazas which turned a tormenting situation for the passengers and transport workers. 
On Sunday, Inter-District Bus Owners’ Association, Chittagong had called an indefinite period strike from Monday demanding immediate end to traffic congestion on the highway.
They, however, withdrew the strike later in the night on assurance that one portion of the under construction overpass would be opened for traffic on May 15.
Senior business leaders said traffic congestion was the main obstacle to the country’s development which caused huge losses to the businesspeople.
They demanded an immediate alternative communication solution like carrying goods and passengers by railways. 
On Sunday, in a press briefing held at the secretariat, road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader said the entire two-lane overpass would be opened for traffic in the next 24 to 25 days.
‘There is no alternative path for bypassing as it is rainy season and we are cordially sorry for the sufferings of people,’ he said. 
Our Feni correspondent reported that Feni traffic police officer in-charge Mir Golam Faruk said that between 55 kilometre to 70 kilometre tailback was seen on the highway all day long. 
The congestion, caused by the under-construction overpass at Fatehpur railway crossing in Feni, intensified in the last few days due to the continuous rain and potholes, he added. 
Transport workers said the vehicles which started from Chittagong on Saturday morning reached Feni Sunday night. 
On Saturday, the police distributed foods and bottled water among the passengers and drivers as they were in terrible suffering. 
Chittagong Inter-District Owners’ Association general secretary Kafil Uddin said there was severe traffic congestion for the last one month which turned severe in the last one week.
‘Transport workers have urged us to call strike as the situation is horrible on roads,’ he said, adding that women and children were the worst sufferers. 
On Sunday morning from a press conference in the port city, they called the indefinite strike saying that no bus would start from Chittagong for Dhaka from Monday.
At night, they sat with administration and senior police leaders where they were assured that one lane of overpass at Fatehpur would be opened on May 15.
‘We hope the congestion will reduce a bit, so we have withdrawn the strike,’ he added. 
Immediate past president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abdul Matlub Ahmad told New Age that the congestion was causing huge losses to businesspeople — waste of time and fuels and damage to vehicles. 
They must deliver export orders in time and the congestion hampered this, he continued. 
Matlub, also Nitol Niloy Group chairman, said congestion was the main obstacle to achieving the government’s vision 2021. 
‘The government can use railways as an alternative to carry passengers and goods right now to reduce pressure on highway,’ he said, adding that waterways should also be used as alternative. 
But unfortunately no one was thinking of that, he added. 
Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Syed Sagir Ahmed told New Age, ‘I have been running business for 30 years but had never seen such chaotic situation. It would have a negative impact as the price of necessary commodities would increase.’
It would also create pressure on Chittagong port while the government should deploy army to manage the situation for the sake of business community, he added.
Obaidul Quader in the press briefing said that the engineering department of the army confirmed that one lane of the overpass at Fatehpur would be inaugurated on May 15 and, before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, the entire work of the overpass would be completed.
He admitted that due to the traffic congestion passengers were suffering and goods transportation and container transportation from Chittagong port were being disrupted. 
‘I hope that during Eid there will be no sufferings,’ he said, adding, ‘during construction period I request all to keep patience.’

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net