Rangamati, Aug 05 (V7N) — Police in Bangladesh's hill district of Rangamati have launched a strengthened traffic management campaign aimed at easing congestion and improving road safety as part of efforts to make the popular tourist destination more visitor-friendly.
The initiative is being led by Rangamati Superintendent of Police (SP) Muhammad Abdur Rakib, PPM, who on Tuesday inspected traffic operations in Banarupa, the town's busiest commercial area. During the visit, he reviewed traffic conditions and instructed officers to intensify coordinated efforts to keep roads clear and improve traffic flow.
Senior police officials, including Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Tarek Sekandar, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station Md. Jasim Uddin, Traffic Inspector Muhammad Saifur Rahman and other officers, accompanied the SP during the inspection.
Speaking to officials, SP Rakib said Rangamati's economy relies heavily on tourism and that maintaining an orderly, safe and congestion-free transport system is essential for preserving the district's reputation among visitors.
"Improving traffic management is one of our top priorities. We want both residents and tourists to move around the town safely and without unnecessary delays," he said.
Under the revised traffic plan, vehicles will be allowed to stop briefly in the Banarupa area only to drop off passengers. Drivers will be required to move immediately to designated parking areas instead of waiting on the roadside, a practice authorities say has contributed significantly to traffic congestion.
Police also announced that additional traffic personnel will be deployed during peak business hours, weekends and major tourist seasons, when visitor numbers increase significantly. Authorities warned that violations of traffic regulations would be met with legal action.
The SP urged motorists, business owners, pedestrians and commuters to cooperate with law enforcement, saying long-term traffic improvement would depend on public awareness and compliance with traffic rules.
Traffic Inspector Muhammad Saifur Rahman said Rangamati's mountainous terrain limits road expansion, leaving the town dependent on a single main roadway. Banarupa, the district's commercial hub, experiences heavy daily traffic from residents, students, businesses and tourists.
He noted that compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered auto-rickshaws serve as the district's primary mode of public transport because conventional town bus and rickshaw services are unavailable, contributing to increased traffic pressure.
According to district police, traffic management will be gradually strengthened at other key intersections and busy areas across Rangamati. Additional monitoring and coordinated traffic operations will also be introduced during peak tourism periods to ensure smoother vehicle movement.
Rangamati, home to attractions including Kaptai Lake, the Hanging Bridge, Rajban Vihara and Shuvolong Waterfall, attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists each year. Local residents hope the enhanced traffic management measures will reduce long-standing congestion in Banarupa and improve the overall experience for both visitors and the local community.
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