Auto-rickshaws worsen traffic congestion on Rangpur highways
The growing presence of battery-run auto-rickshaws and CNG-run vehicles on Rangpur’s major roads and highways has worsened traffic congestion and increased the risk of road accidents, causing severe hardship for commuters.
The vehicles are operating in almost all major areas and markets of Rangpur city, including Modern Mor, Lalbagh, Shapla, Jahaj Company, Paira Chattar, Kachari Bazar, Bank Mor, Dhap, Medical Mor, Terminal, Darshana, Satmatha and Mahiganj.
Their presence has also increased on the Dhaka-Rangpur highway and the highway bypass passing through Rangpur. Illegal auto-rickshaw and CNG stands have sprung up at several important points, obstructing the movement of other vehicles and creating long traffic jams.
Maruf Ahmed, deputy commissioner (traffic) of Rangpur Metropolitan Police, said drives against illegal vehicles were ongoing. “We are taking those found operating illegally under the law.
Traffic and highway police are regularly performing duties to prevent illegal auto-rickshaws and CNGs from operating on highways. Checkposts have also been set up at various locations,” he said.
Long-distance buses, goods trucks and other vehicles are often stuck for hours. At times, trucks and buses remain stranded at the same spot for three to four hours, disrupting business activities and increasing transportation costs.
The situation becomes particularly severe during office hours and in the evening. Many auto-rickshaw and CNG drivers reportedly drive against traffic, ignore traffic signals and pick up and drop off passengers at random locations.
Locals said many of the vehicles operate without valid licences, fitness certificates or other necessary documents. Despite this, they continue to ply the highways, creating risks for other road users.
“Most of the battery-run auto-rickshaws and CNGs do not have valid documents. They do not follow traffic rules and drive as they please,” said private-car driver Ronju Mia.
Truck driver Raihan Mia said drivers of auto-rickshaws and CNGs often become aggressive when confronted about their driving. “They are not aware of road laws. Even when we inform the traffic or highway police, effective action is not always visible,” he said.
Abdul Mannan, a Dhaka-bound bus driver, urged authorities to take immediate action against unfit and illegal vehicles. “If strict measures are not taken now, accidents on the highways will increase further,” he said.
Pedestrians and other drivers said journeys that should take around 10 minutes often take more than an hour because of persistent congestion, causing immense suffering for commuters.
Local residents called for strict control over illegal auto-rickshaws and CNGs, removal of unauthorised stands and stronger enforcement of traffic laws to reduce congestion and accidents.
However, some vehicles manage to enter the highways through loopholes, he said, adding that the authorities were working while also considering humanitarian concerns.
