As millions prepare to leave Dhaka for their hometowns ahead of Eid, commuters and transport operators are anticipating severe disruption on the 15-kilometre stretch from Dour to Dhaka Export Processing Zone (EPZ) via Baipail.
The already narrow road, affected by the ongoing construction of the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, is further riddled with potholes, making the journey increasingly arduous.
The Abdullahpur-Baipail and Nabinagar-Chandra highways are among the country’s busiest routes, serving as major conduits for thousands of vehicles travelling to northern and north-western Bangladesh.
During Eid, traffic on these roads multiplies severalfold, exacerbating congestion.
The stretch from EPZ to Ashulia and onwards to Abdullahpur has been particularly affected, with gridlocks becoming an almost daily occurrence.
Drivers and transport workers voice concerns over the deteriorating conditions.
Mohammad Shafik Ahmed, a driver for Nader Paribahan, which operates on northern routes, noted: “The number of vehicles always surges during Eid, but if both drivers and traffic authorities remain vigilant, some of the chaos can be mitigated. Regulating auto-rickshaws and enforcing traffic rules would significantly ease congestion.”
Adding to the turmoil, numerous potholes have formed in various sections of the road, with heavy lorries and buses struggling to navigate them.
Truck driver Nazmul Huda described the situation near Baipail as particularly dire: “The condition of the Nabinagar-Chandra highway is terrible. The potholes are so large that vehicles, especially heavy trucks, struggle to pass. If these were repaired, at least some of the congestion could be alleviated. As it stands, we are stuck here for hours even before the Eid rush begins.”
The anticipated travel surge is further complicated by the mass exodus of garment workers from the industrial hub of Ashulia.
With most factories set to close on 25 March, an overwhelming rush is expected as workers head home.
Labour leaders and road safety advocates are calling for a staggered holiday schedule to prevent the usual gridlock.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, legal affairs secretary of the Bangladesh Garments and Sweater Workers’ Trade Union Centre, urged factory owners to implement phased closures: “Every year, we witness severe bottlenecks because garment factories release their workers all at once. We appeal to factory owners to introduce a staggered holiday schedule to avoid complete chaos.”
He also advised workers to prioritise safety during their travels: “Please avoid travelling on overcrowded trucks and bus rooftops. Ensure your journey is safe.”
Authorities claim they are taking proactive measures to manage the expected traffic surge.
Dhaka District Police Superintendent Mohammad Anisuzzaman assured that special preparations are underway: “We cannot halt construction, as it is crucial for Ashulia and Dhaka’s long-term infrastructure. However, we will deploy additional personnel and use diversions and service roads to facilitate movement. Both uniformed officers and intelligence units will be working round the clock to ensure a smooth Eid journey for all.”
Despite these assurances, many remain sceptical about whether traffic management efforts will be sufficient.
With garment factory closures imminent and the holiday rush set to peak, commuters are bracing for inevitable delays.
Whether collective efforts from authorities, transport operators, and travellers can avert complete gridlock remains to be seen.
