SAVAR, MAY 26 (V7N)– Commuters on the Bypail-Abdullahpur highway in Ashulia, Savar, are bracing for severe disruption during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha pilgrimage due to the perilous condition of the road and ongoing construction of an elevated expressway. Termed a "dead road" by traffic officials, the vital thoroughfare is plagued by waterlogging, potholes, and traffic congestion, making travel a daily hazard.

The Tongi-Ashulia-EPZ road, which connects to the capital's Abdullahpur and Mirpur embankments, sees thousands of vehicles carrying lakhs of people daily. However, recent rains have exacerbated its already deplorable state. Areas from Jirabo to Baipail are mired in mud and potholes, while several kilometers from Khandaker Mosque to Shimultala, and from Jamgarh intersection to Chaitala, are submerged in water. During heavy rainfall, water can reach waist-deep in deep holes, leading to vehicles getting stuck or overturning, and tragically, causing fatalities. A recent incident on April 16 saw two garment workers killed when a passenger bus fell into a lagoon drain in the Jamgarh area.

Road users express daily fear while navigating the highway. Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to accidents due to potholes. Factory waste mixed with water accumulates in various spots during the dry season, creating foul odors and further complicating travel. The ongoing piling work for the elevated expressway further narrows the road, adding to the daily traffic woes.

Local traders along the road are also suffering, with shops regularly flooded, causing damage to goods and financial losses. They voiced frustration over the years of neglect, noting that the road becomes completely impassable during the monsoon, forcing businesses to shut down.

Bus and truck drivers on the Bypail-Abdullahpur highway described driving in "real danger." They reported being stuck in traffic for hours due to waterlogging, with half-hour journeys stretching to two hours. They anticipate even worse conditions for Eid travelers if rain continues.

Md. Sajedul, Inspector (TI) of Bypile Traffic Police, confirmed the current traffic congestion due to rain and the narrowing of the road from elevated expressway piling work. However, he deferred to senior officials regarding Eid-specific traffic management.

Dhaka District North Traffic Inspector (Admin) Golam Sarwar was more direct, stating, "I myself went to inspect the road. The condition of the road is completely bad. We have declared it as a 'dead road'." He warned of significant traffic congestion during Eid-ul-Azha, affecting both commuters and traffic police.

Efforts to contact Dhaka Elevated Expressway Project Director (PD) Shafiqul Islam regarding the situation on the Tongi-Ashulia-EPZ road were unsuccessful.

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