Rickshaws, auto- rickshaws parking on footpaths cause traffic jams

Lohagara (Chattogram) Correspondent :
CNG auto rickshaw, battery operated rickshaw stands have been established by occupying the footpath are causing severe traffic jam at Lohagara in Chattogram . As a result, there is constant traffic congestion in Thakurdighi Bazar, Padua Tewarihat, Upazila Sadar Battali Station, Adhunagar Bazar and Chunti Bazar on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway. Besides, these inefficient drivers often cause minor accidents. Conscious people claim that these prohibited vehicles are running under the management of the concerned authorities.
 It is known that the boundary of Lohagara on Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway extends from Thakurdighi in Padua Union to Jangalia in Chunati Union. Almost 1500 battery-powered rickshaws and more than 500 CNG-powered autorickshaws ply on this border of the highway in violation of the law. The number of these vehicles banned on highways is increasing day by day as the concerned authorities do not take strict measures. Incompetent drivers of these vehicles do not know, do not understand any rules.
 On the other hand, mobile courts are sometimes conducted against prohibited vehicles on highways at the initiative of the upazila administration. Fines are levied. But it does not stand still. After the operation, these prohibited vehicles ply again on the highway.
It can be seen on the ground that there are hundreds of banned battery-powered rickshaws and CNG-powered autorickshaws plying on the highway. These rickshaws and autorickshaws entangle the highway and create traffic jams. The drivers of these vehicles overtake without following the rules in the race to go ahead. Standing on the road, the passenger gets up. Accidents are constantly happening due to reckless speed and sudden turning without signal. Besides, these three-wheelers were waiting for passengers for a long time in front of the traffic police at Lohagara Upazila Sadar Battali station, but no action was taken against them. At the station itself, these prohibited vehicles are standing next to the traffic box, passengers are seen getting on and off.