Increased traffic congestion chokes northern Dhaka, commuters suffer

The second phase of Metro Rail construction along the Airport Road, stretching from Hazi Camp to the Badda-Rampura area, has intensified traffic congestion in northern Dhaka, commuters reported.

The issue has been intensified by the reopening of two T-intersections near Banani Graveyard and Kakoli.

These recent changes to key routes have caused severe congestion and delays for commuters travelling through these areas in recent weeks.

"Traffic was minimal when the T-crossings were closed from Army Stadium to Mohakhali. Now it has resurfaced again," said Muhammad Quader Helal, a Mirpur resident working in Banani.

According to Rakib Hasan, additional deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Gulshan Division, the partial closure of one lane on the Badda-Rampura road for MRT Line-1 construction has led to increased congestion.

"One lane is partially off due to the ongoing construction," he confirmed.

Ashraful Alam Hannan, a regular commuter from Hazi Camp to Moghbazar-Farmgate, said that the ongoing work near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's third terminal has compounded the problem.

"Construction work on the left side of the road opposite the airport has caused heavier traffic than usual," he said.

Another Uttara resident, preferring anonymity, added, "At the airport crossing, I have had to wait over half an hour for the last few weeks due to the Metro Rail work."

The reopening of the T-crossings at Banani Graveyard and Kakoli has further intensified traffic along the Khilkhet-Mohakhali route.

"For the last couple of months, both sides of the road from Norda to Kuril have been clogged with bumper-to-bumper traffic due to construction," said Al-Amin Haque, a Basundhara resident.

In response to the complaints, Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Joint Commissioner (Traffic), Sufian Ahmed, told TBS they would examine the situation.

"We will look into whether diversions or additional measures can be implemented to minimise congestion on these routes," he said.
The disruptions have left commuters frustrated as they endure long delays on their daily journeys, with no immediate solutions in sight.