Purbachal roads dotted with illegal auto-CNG stands

• Traffic and accident risks rise, drives fail to bring lasting solution

Khalil Sikder, from Rupganj (Narayanganj) 

Purwachal is a planned satellite city on the outskirts of the capital. Its 300 Feet Road was built with wide lanes and modern infrastructure for smooth traffic flow. But various stretches of this road now see clusters of auto rickshaws, CNGs, and battery run auto rickshaws.

In some spots, vehicles line up along the roadside. In others, parts of the road have turned into makeshift stands. This disrupts normal traffic flow and raises the risk of jams and accidents.

On site visits, auto rickshaw and CNG drivers were seen waiting long hours for passengers near Nila Market and other key points and connecting road entrances in Purwachal. Several vehicles standing together effectively turn part of the road into a parking and pickup zone. Many auto rickshaws stop suddenly or turn while picking up or dropping off passengers, forcing fast moving vehicles behind them to brake abruptly.

Local residents and regular road users say the situation grows worse after evening. Autos and CNGs stopping anywhere to pick up passengers shrink the space available for traffic, raising both congestion and accident risk.

Mr. Yamin Mia, a private car driver, said auto rickshaws near the Nila Market area of Purwachal’s 300 Feet Road make driving very difficult. He said these autos suddenly turn in the middle of the road, which could cause an accident at any time. He said their movement often puts other drivers at risk.

Mr. Sumon Molla, a BRTC shuttle bus driver, said autos and CNGs create major problems for large vehicles. He said they stop suddenly in the middle of the road, making it hard for big vehicles to brake in control, which raises the risk of serious accidents. He demanded that authorities verify the legality and documents of these vehicles and take legal action.

Mr. Wasif Bhuiyan, a pedestrian, said auto rickshaws make it frightening to even walk on the 300 Feet Road. He said there is constant fear that an auto might suddenly hit a pedestrian, since many move without control. He said illegal stands also cause traffic jams, and he called for strict monitoring and effective action from the administration against illegal battery run auto rickshaws.

Road users say the problem is not limited to the 300 Feet Road. Autos and CNGs standing at various important roads and highway points across Rupganj also disrupt traffic. They demand fixed stops and parking arrangements at key points, along with regular drives against vehicles parked randomly on the road.

They also say that keeping order in road management in a planned area like Purwachal requires coordinated work among the relevant authorities. They say makeshift stands on the road must be stopped, and fixed spots must be set for picking up and dropping off passengers.

Asked about the matter, Sub Inspector Mr. Mahmudul Hasan, who is on duty in the Purwachal area, said regular action is being taken against illegal autos, CNGs, and battery run auto rickshaws in the area. He said cases are being filed regularly against vehicles that break the law, and drives continue against them. He added that police action and legal steps for public safety, road discipline, and traffic control will remain ongoing.