Commuters and holiday makers suffered long delays as water logging in several areas of Dhaka led to severe traffic gridlocks yesterday. With the monsoons intensifying, the water logging in parts of the capital worsened severely, leading to the near breakdown of the city’s traffic management system. The situation turned worse with many key roads going under water, causing the maximum suffering to pedestrians.

Agargaon, Bijoy Sarani, and east of Parliament House were the worst affected areas. Meanwhile, holiday makers were unable to return to the capital due to the unavailability of transport. Dhaka-bound buses and cars did not come out on the roads given the foul weather across the country. Those who managed to reach the city were faced with traffic gridlocks and lack of public transport.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the city recorded 54 mm of rainfall yesterday. The Met department has forecast that rain and thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning flashes were likely to occur over the city.

Commuters blamed non-coordinated development works by different service-providing agencies for the severity of water-logging in the capital.

Bikash Sarkar, who hails from Jessore district and works in Dhaka’s Gabtoli area, said there was no public transport for Mouchak. “Most of the vehicles were outside the city to ferry back holidaymakers,” he added.

Sayeed Ovi from Mohakhali said he found it annoying to go for work due to the rain and traffic gridlock it. “I walked to Mohakhali rail gate from Jahangir gate. Then I took a rickshaw and it took me more than an hour to reach my workplace,” he said.

Shahed Siddique of Rampura area said it was a nightmare for him to reach Kamlapur rail station. Shahed said he had hired a vehicle to reach Tejgaon early, but got stuck in traffic. “I reached my office more than an hour late due to the traffic jam, while it normally takes just 20 minutes to reach my workplace from my home,” he added.