Photo : TDM
The 29-mile stretch of Thakurgaon-Dinajpur Highway has turned into a hotspot for traffic chaos and accidents due to the rampant illegal parking of cargo trucks. Locals report that these illegally built parking stands have been causing severe disruptions, leading to traffic jams and an increase in accidents in the area.
Thousands of cargo trucks are occupying the side lane of the highway daily, narrowing the road significantly and obstructing the smooth movement of vehicles. As a result, the traffic congestion has extended up to a kilometer, causing immense suffering for commuters and common people.
At the entrance of Thakurgaon city, the situation worsens as there are at least two to three major accidents every month due to the presence of a riverbed and two sharp bends on one side of the road. The risk of accidents is amplified by the illegal truck terminal that has emerged in the 29-mile market area, making it perilous for vehicles to pass through this crucial route connecting the rest of the country.
Local shopkeepers have remained silent on the issue, fearing opposition from hoteliers who benefit from the truck parking. However, concerned citizens, including a school teacher named Shahidul Islam, have expressed their distress over the situation. He highlighted the dangers faced by students from nearby schools and madrassas while crossing the road.
Despite reports to the highway police, no concrete action has been taken to address the problem.
Truck driver Helal Uddin said that trucks loaded with goods from various areas including Panchagarh and Tentulia stop there to cool the wheels due to heat. However, he also said that it is not right to stop so many trucks at the same time.
In this regard, Thakurgaon traffic police inspector (TI), Amjad Hossain said, “The 29 mile area at the entrance of Thakurgaon city is an accident prone area. Almost major accidents happen here. Illegal car parking is looked after by the Highway Police.”
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Boda Highway Police Station, Shariful Islam said, “I removed all the vehicles occupying the side line of the highway a few days ago. I have also warned the drivers not to park these vehicles. If they do the same thing again despite the ban, the raid will be conducted again.”
TDM/SD
