GOPALGANJ, Apr 30: Movement on the important regional Tekharhat-Gopalganj-Ghonapara highway is becoming increasingly difficult due to rising obstructions along the road, putting public safety at risk.
Illegal structures occupying bus stands, unplanned vehicle parking and makeshift roadside markets are causing regular traffic congestion and increasing the risk of accidents, leaving passengers and drivers suffering.
Locals say most bus stands along the 44-kilometre road have been encroached upon with illegal shops on government land, significantly shrinking designated passenger spaces.
With no proper parking facilities for vans, auto-rickshaws, easy bikes, Mahindras and Nasimons, vehicles are forced to remain on the highway, narrowing the carriageway and causing regular gridlocks.
The situation is particularly severe at Julirpar, Banarchor, Uttar Vennabari, Satpar, Gandhiasur, Baultoli and Ulpur bus stands.
In the afternoon, roadside markets occupy portions of the highway, leaving little space for traffic movement and leading to frequent accidents and long tailbacks.
Residents allege that despite the long-standing nature of the problem, authorities have taken little effective action.
They say the district administration, police and local government bodies have largely remained inactive, while informal transport operators have gained control over roadside spaces, often leading to disputes with passengers and drivers.
Passengers said the highway is a key route linking Chattogram, Barishal, Shariatpur and Madaripur with Benapole, Jashore and Khulna, and also carries significant goods traffic between Dhaka and Chattogram.
However, infrastructure and traffic management have not kept pace with the rising pressure.
Locals have called for designated parking zones, passenger shelters and public toilets at bus stands, along with eviction of illegal structures to restore normal traffic flow.
Gopalganj Road Division Executive Engineer Jahangir Alam said the 44-kilometre highway has already seen completion of work under six packages, while road marking and signage installation under package five is underway and expected to finish by June.
He added that eviction drives against illegal structures will be launched afterwards with support from the district administration.
Residents, however, warn that without swift action, the highway will become increasingly hazardous, urging coordinated enforcement measures to ensure safe and uninterrupted travel.
