13km tailback on Jamuna Bridge east approach

A 13-kilometre-long traffic congestion has formed on the eastern end of the Jamuna Bridge up to Elenga in Tangail, causing severe suffering to thousands of passengers travelling both towards Dhaka and northern districts.

The traffic jam began in the early hours of Friday amid heavy vehicular pressure, slow-moving trucks and frequent overtaking, according to police.

Jamuna Bridge East Police Station officer-in-charge Fuad Rohan said the situation worsened due to excessive Dhaka-bound traffic and disorderly movement of heavy vehicles.

At one stage, toll collection for northbound vehicles was suspended and toll was taken only from four Dhaka-bound lanes in an attempt to ease pressure. Later around 10:00AM, both lanes were reopened, but traffic movement remained slow.

Police and local sources said the Jamuna Bridge is a key corridor connecting around 22 districts. On normal days, 20,000 to 25,000 vehicles use the highway, but during Eid periods the number rises to 50,000-60,000, often leading to severe congestion.

Traffic Inspector Anisur Rahman said law enforcement agencies are working to bring the situation under control, though vehicular movement is still sluggish.

TZ