Rajshahi, Oct 11 (V7N) – Traffic management in Rajshahi city faces significant challenges as many automated traffic signal lights remain nonfunctional, forcing police officers to direct vehicles manually under harsh weather conditions. At Dhorikharbona Mor, traffic constable Zahurul Islam has been controlling the flow of hundreds of vehicles daily, including cars carrying students to local colleges, using only hand signals and a whistle while standing in the scorching sun.

“This is part of our daily duty. We have to control traffic manually, and as soon as we turn away for a moment, drivers often ignore traffic rules,” said Constable Islam. He added that functioning signal lights would greatly ease traffic management, especially during heavy rain or intense heat.

Historically, from 1995 to 2002, the city installed electric traffic signals at 21 points, including Laxmipur Mor, Bheripara Mor, Barnaali Mor, Kadirgong, Gaurhanga Railgate, Tolaimari, Saheb Bazar Zero Point, Monichattar, Hazrat Shah Makhdum Dargah Gate, C&B Mor, Sagarpara Bottola, and Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, at a total cost exceeding 10.5 million taka. However, due to poor maintenance and unplanned road expansion projects, these signals have fallen into disrepair.

The malfunctioning signals have led to significant congestion during school, college, and office hours, creating long traffic jams in the city’s busiest areas. Illegal parking and general ignorance of traffic laws have further worsened the situation, causing chaos and safety concerns for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Local pedestrians, such as Rafikul Islam, expressed frustration, saying, “Without signal lights, we have to interpret police gestures while crossing the road, which is confusing and risky.” Shahinur Begum, another resident, emphasized the impact on children, noting that students are not learning proper road-crossing etiquette but instead rely on police hand signals.

Traffic officials have stressed the urgent need to restore traffic lights. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Nur Alam Siddiqui said, “I have not seen a functional signal light in the city since I arrived. Operational signals are critical for proper traffic management. We have requested the City Corporation to repair existing signals and install new ones where necessary.”

Rajshahi City Corporation Chief Executive Rezaul Karim acknowledged the problem and confirmed steps are being taken to address it. Residents urge not only repair but also modernization of the traffic signal system and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to transform Rajshahi into a safer and more livable modern city.

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