Bangladesh’s traffic management has long faced challenges, and the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway stands as one of the most glaring examples. With frequent accidents, congestion, and delays, this key route has become a significant obstacle, particularly for businesspeople who rely on punctual travel.
Regarded as a vital artery for the nation’s economy, the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway has unfortunately earned the reputation of a “time killer” for regular commuters.
“Last Friday, I needed to travel to Mirsarai, Chattogram. I left at 6:30 am with the expectation of arriving by 9:30 am, but I didn’t reach until 1:30 pm – three hours late,” said MA Baten Khan, a frustrated businessman.
Baten added that it was only after contacting the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Highway Police through a journalist accompanying him that the situation was addressed.
“I didn’t see any patrol vehicles until reaching Feni district’s Fazilpur point, where a minor accident involving covered vans had blocked the road,” he explained.
“At the Meghna Bridge toll point, a slow toll collection process created the first significant traffic jam. Why hasn’t an automated toll system been put in place under the ‘Digital Bangladesh’ initiative?”
Md. Khairul Alam, Superintendent of Police for the Cumilla Region’s Highway Police, explained the challenges of managing traffic given the increasing number of vehicles each year.
“In the Cumilla Region, from Daudkandi Bridge to Teknaf, we have just around 700 officers overseeing traffic on all highways. This is not enough, especially considering that Chattogram District alone has approximately 3,000 officers. Managing such a large region with limited manpower is a difficult task,” he said.
Khairul Alam noted that many officers are stationed at 22 highway police posts across the region, leaving only about 400 officers available for patrols in shifts.
Addressing concerns about the highway police’s reduced activity during the political unrest of August 2024, he clarified, “During the July–August movement, several vehicles, including motorcycles and patrol cars, were set on fire, making it difficult for us to conduct timely patrols or respond to accidents.”
Despite these limitations, Khairul Alam assured the public that his department is doing its best with the available resources. However, he emphasized that reducing traffic congestion in the long run would require significant infrastructure upgrades and an expansion of the workforce.
Baten Khan also pointed out the growing importance of expanding the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, which serves as a backbone for the country’s economy. According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), daily traffic on the highway rose from 35,482 vehicles in 2019 to 46,501 in 2024.
An official from the Highway Police added that overloaded vehicles are a significant contributor to road damage, resulting in an annual repair cost of over Tk 861 crore for the government.
Certain stretches along the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway are notorious for frequent traffic jams. In Cumilla, critical congestion points include Daudkandi Toll Plaza, Gouripur Bazar, Chandina Bus Stand, Madhaiya Bazar, and Nimsar Bazar, among others. In Feni, notorious locations include Lalpol, Bhatiari Point, Faujdarhat U-turn, and several others.
The Padua Bazar bottleneck
One of the most pressing traffic challenges is at Padua Bazar, where the Dhaka-Chattogram and Cumilla-Noakhali highways intersect. This critical junction, vital for traffic moving through six southeastern districts, is plagued by congestion due to delayed construction of a planned bypass loop. Vehicles are forced to navigate hazardous crossings, with the U-turn needed for connecting routes still incomplete.
Experts warn that with nearly 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s international trade passing through this corridor, urgent attention is required to upgrade the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.
Infrastructure improvements and better management practices are essential to reduce delays, minimize losses, and ensure smoother transit.
