Traffic chaos due to heavy rainfall causes immense sufferings
Dhaka: Heavy rainfall on Tuesday left the capital’s traffic in complete chaos as all the major roads along with numerous alleys got submerged, causing immense sufferings to commuters.
Though the city witnessed less movement of the VVIPs on the day, the traffic congestions lasted for longer periods compared to other rainy days as many vehicles went out of order in the middle of the waterlogged streets, obstructing traffic for hours together.
The meteorological office recorded 44 mm of rain in capital Dhaka from 6:00am to 3:00pm.
The roads in Kakrail, Shanitanagar, Mouchak, Malibagh, Rampura, Badda, Dhaka University, Mirpur, Dhanmodhi and Kawranbazar areas went under knee-deep water due to the rainfall.
Vehicles were seen moving at snail’s pace on the streets while commuters got stuck in long tailbacks for hours at different points.
As the vehicles remained stuck on the roads, many city dwellers, including former caretaker government adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, were seen getting down from vehicles and wading their way amid the waterlogged roads, and also braving the rain. Many guardians were seen carrying their children on their laps or shoulders to reach home from schools.
During his visit from Jatiya Press Club to Mouchak in the afternoon, this correspondent found may commuters struggling their way out while wading through the submerged. Stinks from drains mixed with the stagnant water added to the woes of the pedestrians.
Rickshaw-pullers and CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers charged excessive fares taking advantage of the inclement weather and traffic mess.
Faisal Hossain, a working man, started for his office at 11:15 from Shewrapara area and reached office in Eskaton at about 2:40 pm.
‘The bus got stuck at Bijoy Sharani for an hour and at Karwanbazar for 30 minutes. Then I got down from the bus and took a rickshaw for going to my office,’ he added.
Mainur Rahman, a businessman said, ‘I got on a bus from Press Club to go to Kakrail. But I had to get down as it was stuck for an hour. Then I started walking towards Kakrail.’
Deputy Commissioner (DC-Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Muntashirul Islam told UNB that the traffic system of the capital has collapsed as many streets got waterlogged due to heavy rainfall and many vehicles went out of order in midst of roads due to rainwater.
‘Apart from that, many bus stops were under water and passengers took position on the roads for getting into transports slowing down the traffic. Traffic police put in their best efforts to improve the traffic situation,’ he added.
Contacted, Home Minister Asaduzzman Khan said there had been traffic congestions in the capital for heavy rainfall and slow movement of the vehicles as some streets got waterlogged.