Severe traffic congestion has gripped the Dhaka–Mymensingh and Dhaka–Tangail highways in Gazipur during the Eid travel rush, causing long delays and widespread passenger suffering.
On Thursday morning, tailbacks stretching up to 20 kilometres were reported on the Dhaka–Tangail highway, particularly from Kabirpur to Chandra and Kaliakoir areas. Traffic was also slow at key points on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway, including Board Bazar, Bhogra Bypass, and Chandana intersection.
Transport operators and police said the congestion was caused by a sharp increase in vehicles and passengers, roadside parking, Reverse traffic, and people boarding and disembarking at busy points. Overnight rain also left parts of the highways waterlogged and muddy, slowing traffic further.
Passengers reported long waits and a shortage of buses. Many were forced to pay higher fares or travel in trucks, pickups, and auto-rickshaws.
Masud Rana, a traveller heading to Sirajganj, said he waited for hours in the Chandra area with his family but could not get a bus. “There are more passengers than vehicles. Fares have also increased several times,” he said.
Large crowds of homebound people were seen in Tongi, Station Road, and other parts of Gazipur, where transport shortages forced many to take alternative Transport at higher costs.
Police said the situation worsened after around 2,000 garment factories in Gazipur closed on Wednesday afternoon, sending thousands of workers onto the highways at the same time. More factories are expected to close, increasing pressure further.
Inspector Saugatul Alam of Naojor Highway Police said additional force, volunteers, and support staff have been deployed to manage traffic and ease congestion.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police (Traffic) ADC Amrit Sutradhar said traffic pressure increased from Wednesday afternoon and worsened after evening rain. Although some travellers halted overnight, congestion intensified again early Thursday.
Meanwhile, authorities took measures near the Jamuna Bridge to manage traffic flow. Around 11:00 am, Dhaka-bound lanes from Sirajganj were temporarily closed to reduce pressure on the Tangail section. Vehicles travelling from Dhaka to northern and southern regions were allowed to use both lanes.
This decision led to long queues on the western side of the bridge, causing further delays for Dhaka-bound passengers.
Officials from the Bangladesh Bridge Authority said the measure was temporary and aimed at easing congestion caused by heavy Eid travel traffic.
