A severe traffic congestion stretching approximately 10 kilometres has brought the Dhaka-bound lane of the western approach highway of the Jamuna Bridge to a near standstill in Sirajganj, causing significant disruption to public life and inter-district transport movement.
The traffic snarl extends from the western toll plaza of the Jamuna Bridge approach road to the Bagbari area under Kamarkhanda upazila. The situation, which began in the early hours following Thursday night, gradually intensified by Friday morning, eventually paralysing normal vehicular flow along this crucial national highway corridor.
According to local administration and police sources, the crisis was triggered by a combination of factors. A series of collisions involving multiple vehicles occurred on the bridge during the night, while several others broke down mechanically at different points on the bridge and its approach roads. These incidents coincided with a heavy surge of returning passengers after the end of the Eid holiday period, placing extraordinary pressure on an already busy transport artery.
The influx of vehicles included a high number of readymade garment workers, long-distance passengers, and private cars, all converging on the highway simultaneously. As a result, traffic quickly became unmanageable, with queues of stationary vehicles gradually extending for miles and eventually forming a continuous 10-kilometre backlog.
The congestion has particularly affected vulnerable travellers, including women and children, many of whom were reportedly stranded inside vehicles for hours without adequate access to food, water, or sanitation facilities. Long-distance commuters and transport operators also faced severe delays, with some journeys extended by several hours beyond their usual travel time.
The Officer-in-Charge of Jamuna Bridge West Police Station stated that the situation arose primarily due to road accidents and excessive vehicular pressure. He added that police personnel have been deployed along the highway to regulate traffic, remove obstructing vehicles, and gradually restore normal movement.
Local authorities have intensified traffic management operations and deployed recovery vehicles to clear disabled transport from key congestion points. However, officials caution that restoring full normalcy will require additional time due to the scale of the backlog and ongoing pressure of returning traffic.
Traffic Situation Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of congestion | Jamuna Bridge western toll plaza to Bagbari area |
| Estimated length | Approximately 10 kilometres |
| Primary causes | Road collisions, vehicle breakdowns, excessive traffic volume |
| Time of onset | Thursday night, intensifying through Friday morning |
| Most affected groups | Garment workers, long-distance passengers, private vehicle users |
| Mitigation measures | Police traffic control, vehicle recovery operations |
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with additional police units and traffic personnel deployed to ensure safety and to expedite the gradual restoration of vehicular flow along one of the country’s most vital transport corridors. Despite partial improvement in some sections, officials have indicated that full normalisation remains uncertain in the immediate term.