On one hand most of our roads and highways have been badly hit with the onrush of flood water and heavy rains while on the other long stretches of trail tracks are still under flood water. There is enough to fear for an impending traffic disaster any time within the next week – just before the Eid-ul-Azha.
All vehicles travelling from Dhaka to Chittagong and their 10 districts have to cross two major bridges on the way – Kanchpur Bridge and the Meghna Bridge – and the Highway Police fear that these bridges are likely to snarl-up in those areas during the ensuing Eid holidays. Now if accidents and jams add up the situation will turn horrific. We call for round-the-clock strict policing around our highways. Also collecting toll in our bridges will have to be fast-tracked.
However, good that, Trucks, covered vans; lorries along with other heavy vehicles will not be allowed to ply on the highways three days before the Eid in order to reduce traffic jams but the traffic management too will have to be systematic along the highways. Besides, vigilance teams should also be active at bus terminals to deter charging of extra fare from Eid holidaymakers, but given the poor condition of our roads it would be better to introduce some rescue teams in the risky and dangerous roads.
Lastly, though most of the journeys by bus and trains are expected to be not without hindrance but they should be made safer, so to avoid all unanticipated accidents. Not to forget the safer journey will have to be ensured on both ways – going home and also on the way to return.
