Gridlock from Uttara to Mohakhali: Dhaka Traffic Paralyzed

Commuters in Dhaka have been stuck for hours in traffic jam today (September 13, 2022).

Rain, that started from the morning, caused traffic chaos in several points of Dhaka, including Tongi, Uttara, Airport, Mohakhali, Bijoy Sarani and Bangla Motor areas. Vehicles were seen stalled for hours on the road.

Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) of Uttara Division, Nafiz Kamal Shoibal, said a one-km long tailback was seen from Munno Gate to Milgate area in Tongi and a number of vehicles were passing through with caution due to the dilapidated condition of the road. Potholes have formed on the road due to the ongoing work of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

Joint Commissioner (Traffic-North), Abu Saleh Md Raihan, said the impact of the tailback spread to the other important points of Dhaka, causing untold sufferings for the commuters.

Shariful Islam, a private service-holder, said it took him four hours to reach Mouchak from Uttara due to the traffic gridlock.

“The vehicles remained stalled for hours amid rain”, he said.

Commuters including office-goers, school and college students were the worst sufferers, as they had to wait for a long time to reach their destinations due to the gridlock.

Besides, road repair work and the metro rail project also added to the commute woes of the city dwellers.

Monowar Hossain, a meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said 33 mm of rainfall was recorded from 6 am to 12 pm today while they have recorded 32 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours from 6 am Monday till 6 am Tuesday.

According to the Met office, Bangladesh may experience heavy to very heavy showers in the next 24 hours.

Besides, light to moderate rains or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning flashes are likely to occur at most places over these divisions._UNB