Traffic congestion grips Muktagachha after years of inaction

Muktagachha’s main highway has become a daily obstacle for commuters, with congestion worsening on the Mymensingh-Tangail regional route despite years of complaints and protests.

Thousands of vehicles traveling to northern districts use the road around the clock. Municipality sources say the largest pressure comes from unregistered three-wheelers, including human haulers and battery-powered auto-rickshaws. About 6,000 operate in the area, compared with roughly 100 registered with the municipality.

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Passenger buses and other vehicles cannot move freely on the road due to congestion caused by numerous unregistered three-wheelers. Similarly, footpaths are occupied by vendors, leaving no space for pedestrians to walk.

Many of the vehicles also use points along the highway as informal parking stands. Roadside vendors have occupied footpaths, leaving pedestrians with little room and making it harder for buses and other vehicles to move. “Passenger buses and other vehicles cannot move freely on the road due to congestion caused by numerous unregistered three-wheelers. Similarly, footpaths are occupied by vendors, leaving no space for pedestrians to walk,” said schoolteacher Abdus Sobhan Sagor.

Muktagachha traffic inspector Mridul Ranjan Das said six traffic officers are assigned to manage the area, a number he considers insufficient. Mobile court operations have not contained the illegal vehicles, and attempts to relocate the informal stands have failed. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Krishna Chandra said the unfinished Satrasia-Bhabki bypass could eventually divert long-distance buses and trucks away from the municipal center.

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Once it’s completed, long-route buses and trucks will no longer use the main road in the municipal area. This will significantly lessen traffic congestion.