Naogaon town roads to be upgraded to 4-lane. Symbolic Photo

RAJSHAHI, March 2, 2026 (BSS)- The northern border district town of Naogaon 
has effectively turned into a city plagued by traffic congestion.
 
From early morning until late at night, residents and pedestrians endure 
severe traffic jams in the town and its adjacent areas. Locals alleged that 
mismanagement, illegal encroachments, and unregulated vehicles have made 
congestion a constant companion in the heart of the town.
 
According to the Naogaon Municipality, the town covers an area of 38.42 
square kilometers. "Although licenses for easy bikes began being issued in 
2010, no new licenses have been granted since 2016. At present, there are 
around 5,000 licensed easy bikes," it said.
 
Sources concerned said that about 10,000 unlicensed easy bikes are also 
operating. In addition, nearly 10,000 other vehicles-including CNG-run auto-
rickshaws, rickshaws, vans, motorcycles, microbuses and private cars-
regularly ply the town's roads.
 
A recent visit found that traffic congestion stretches along nearly four 
kilometers of the main road-from Kathaltali through Dhaka Bus Stand, Taz-er 
Mor, Bridge Batar Mor, Sarishahati Mor, Muktir Mor, Kazir Mor, Rubir Mor and 
Dayaler Mor to Baludanga Bus Stand. 

Along both sides of the road, permanent shops are joined by makeshift vendors 
who occupy the footpaths.

Many shopkeepers also place goods in front of their stores, further narrowing 
the road. As a result, small vehicles and pedestrians face extreme hardship.
 
Several traders from Kaporpatti said traffic worsens as auto-rickshaws and 
easy bikes park indiscriminately. The absence of designated roundabouts or a 
planned traffic management system is a major problem, they added. 

Meanwhile, easy bike drivers Sohel Rana and Nazmul Hossain said that due to 
the lack of legal stands in the town, they are forced to pick up and drop off 
passengers at various intersections. 

They also called for bringing unlicensed easy bikes under control.
 
The Roads and Highways Department has announced an initiative to upgrade 
Naogaon's main road to four lanes.
 
Under the proposed project, a 16.50-kilometer stretch from Santahar Mor to 
Chaumashia Intersection will be widened to four lanes, along with the 
construction of various infrastructures. The estimated cost is around Taka 
1,200 crore.
 
Naogaon Roads and Highways Department Sub-Divisional Engineer Nure Alam 
Siddique said that traffic congestion would be significantly reduced once the 
project is implemented. 

The plan includes foot-over bridges, mini bus stops, culverts, bridges, 
street lighting, footpaths, and improved drainage facilities. He also said 
the existing road will be widened to 80 feet.
 
Concerned officials believe that without strengthening immediate traffic 
management measures alongside long-term infrastructural development, 
Naogaon's traffic situation could deteriorate further.