transportation
Eid holiday: Nine million to depart Dhaka by road, says NCPSRR
The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) forecasts that around 15 million individuals are poised to exit the greater Dhaka area, including Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Gazipur, and Narayanganj city corporation areas, for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
An estimated 60% of these holidaymakers, roughly nine million people, will opt for road travel, while the rest will utilise waterways and railways.
The projection, released in a press statement by NCPSRR on Monday, sheds light on the massive seasonal migration and its implications on transportation and safety.
Despite admitting potential inaccuracies due to the lack of a comprehensive database, NCPSRR's general secretary, Ashis Kumar Dey, stated that the report was compiled from a variety of sources, including research data, civic groups, and transport sector organizations.
Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail operations to continue past 9 pm from today
The committee has voiced concerns over the possibility of increased public suffering and accidents on the roads, similar to previous years. Nevertheless, it acknowledged the government's significant efforts to facilitate smoother Eid travel for millions.
Drawing from the latest census, the report details the population distribution within the Dhaka division, noting that about 75% of the country's garment factories are in Gazipur. Workers, who predominantly reside in the Gazipur region, contribute to the large-scale exodus during Eid.
Additionally, significant populations in Narayanganj and adjacent districts add to the surge of travelers seeking to return to their native places for the Eid holiday.
Read more: Seasoned journalists, experts stress vital role of media in creating awareness to make roads safe again
The report highlights several challenges faced by travelers, including the inadequate capacity of the road transport sector to manage the massive flow of people within a week leading up to Eid.
Issues such as the poor condition of long-distance roads, over 500 risky turning points nationwide, and the manual collection of tolls exacerbating traffic congestion are identified as major obstacles to smooth travel.
Despite these hurdles, the NCPSRR remains optimistic that the implementation of government measures could alleviate some of the public's difficulties on the roads during this peak travel period. The focus now shifts to ensuring that these initiatives are carried out effectively to enhance the Eid travel experience for millions.
Read more: Wheels of hazard: Motorcycle safety crisis unfolding on Bangladesh’s roads
As Agargaon-Motijheel part starts operation, Dhaka Metro Rail crowded with commuters during 48hr blockade
Dhaka Metro Rail compartments were seen packed with commuters this morning (November 05, 2023) as arson violence was reported across the capital amid a road, rail and waterways blockade for 48 hours called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties across the country.
Commuters in Dhaka were boarding the train in greater numbers to go from one part of the capital to others as Agargaon-Motijheel section of Dhaka Metro Rail opened to public this morning, almost a year after the first part of the MRT Line-6 (Uttara-Agargaon) opened.
The opening of the entire route is now set to reduce travel time from one part of the capital to another by more than a third, according to project officials.
On any other Sunday in Dhaka, it would typically take at least an hour and a half on the road to travel from the capital’s Uttara to Farmgate.
Those days seem to be over now.
Read more: 48hr blockade: 27 BGB platoons deployed in Dhaka, adjoining districts
Hasina and Modi jointly inaugurate rail connectivity and power projects
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly opened the newly constructed Akhaura-Agartala Dual Gauge Railway Link Project, setting a significant milestone in cross-border connectivity.
The important rail connection would contribute to boosting trade, business and tourism between the two neighbouring countries.The 12.24-km rail connection has linked Gangasagar Railway Station at Akhaura in Brahmanbaria to Nischintapur Railway Station at Agartala in India, connecting the northeastern region of India and Bangladesh.
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The railway link, with 6.78 km in Bangladesh’s part, was constructed under a joint venture of Bangladesh and India. The Akhaura (Bangladesh)-Agartala (India) railway line construction started in July 2018.
The two prime ministers unveiled the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, joining an event from Ganabhaban in Dhaka and New Delhi through a virtual platform.
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The two PMs also inaugurated two other Indian-aided projects --Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Construction Project and Unit-2 of Rampal Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat.
The 65-km railway from Khulna to Mongla port in Bagerhat would streamline goods transportation to the port. This railway will help transport Mongla port goods affordably within the country and support trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, contributing to regional economic growth. The Khulna-Mongla railway project began in September 2016.
The second unit of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant Rampal would add 660 megawatt electricity to the national grid.
The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant-2 and the 65-kilometre Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Link have been implemented under the Indian LoC (Line of Credit) while the Akhaura (Bangladesh) and Agartala (India) Railway Link with Indian grants.
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The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, known as Rampal thermal power plant, with a total capacity of 1,320 MW in two units was implemented under a joint venture of the two neighbouring countries.
Metro rail runs for 12 hours- 8 am to 8 pm- from today
Commuters can use the Dhaka metro rail for 12 hours from 8 am to 8 pm from Wednesday (May 31, 2023).
Nazmul Ahsan Bhuiya, deputy project director (DPD) of Metro Rail, said from today the metro rail will operate from 8 am to 8 pm on the Uttara-Agargaon route.
As per the new schedule, Dhaka Metro Rail will not operate on Friday instead of Tuesday.
Also read: Case filed against unidentified persons for pelting stones at metro rail
According to the new schedule, Dhaka Metro Rail will leave the station every 10 minutes during the peak hours (from 8 am to 11 am and from 3:01 pm to 6 pm). During off-peak hours (from 11:01 am to 3 pm and from 6:01 pm to 8 pm), the metro rail will leave the station every 15 minutes.
Earlier, the operating hours of Dhaka Metro Rail was 8 am to 2 pm.
On December 28, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s first elevated metro rail, setting a milestone in the communication history.
Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail to run from 8am to 8pm from May 31
According to DMTCL, Dhaka Metro Rail operation till Motijheel may start by the end of 2024, and till Kamalapur by 2025. By December 2024, metro rail will start operation from Agargaon to Kamalapur with 24 trains.
Buying a used car? These are the things to look for
Considering the high daily cost and inadequate public transport, buying a second-hand car is a rational and cost-effective option for many working professionals.
The used car market is a large and diverse one. Globally more used cars are sold compared to brand-new ones. Despite the high sales volume in the used car market, potential buyers may end up wasting their hard-earned money if they fail to pick the right car. It's necessary to ensure that the purchased car is in good and road-safe condition. To that end, here’s a checklist to consider before investing money in a second-hand car.
Why should you thoroughly check before buying a second-hand car?
There are a lot of reasons why you should prepare and go through a checklist before buying a second-hand car. Here are a few reasons.
Safety
The first is safety. Safety is the top priority of any car owner as nobody wants to be at risk riding their car. Checking for the vehicle history and performance can ensure whether the car would run reliably and safely for the new owner.
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Cost
There is always the risk of getting duped with used cars. It might be some internal issue or the engine issue which is not apparent from the outside. These issues may not show up at the start, rather the signs start showing after a few hundred kms.
Without a proper inspection, a potential buyer might end up spending more on repair and maintenance in the long run.
Legal Issues
Another reason to check a second-hand car is for its usage history. The potential car might be stolen or it might have an outstanding loan against it. In any case, as the new owner, the buyer can be held responsible for any legal issue with the car.
Peace of Mind
Lastly, buying a second-hand car is always a stressful ordeal. Checking the car before buying not only minimizes the risk of getting scammed, but it also brings peace of mind for the new owner.
Read more: Bangladesh will assemble Hyundai cars by end of this year: South Korean envoy
Checklist for buying used car
Vehicle History
The first and foremost thing to check is the history of the vehicle. Every car has a usage history that outlines damage and accident reports. Even if there is no explicit mention of accidents, look for repaired damage signs. It is much easier to spot external damages like panel gaps or paint overspray.
But if the car has internal damage like the ones created by floods or natural disasters, it might be very difficult to assess the damage. The potential buyer can take the help of a mechanic to check for water damage as it might not show upfront but it may create an issue in the long run.
Physical Inspection
Physical inspections are best done with the help of a car expert or a mechanic. There are two steps to physical inspection – internal and external.
The external inspections include checking for any kind of external damage. It is recommended to look for dents, scratches, rusts, and signs of previous repair.
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Before buying a second-hand car, the potential buyer needs to conduct an internal inspection carefully.
- The seats, carpets, dashboard, and other places inside the car should be checked for any signs of wear and tear.
- The air conditioning system should not be left unchecked. The same inspection process is needed for the wipers, lights, and the heating system.
- The door hinges should be checked, like whether they close smoothly or not.
Dhaka Metro Rail to operate from 8 am to 2 pm starting today
Starting today (April 05, 2023), commuters can avail the Dhaka Metro Rail service for six hours every day – from 8 am to 2 pm.
Considering the commuters’ demand and aiming to provide more services, the timing has been changed, said MAN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), in a press conference on March 30.
Earlier, the operating hours of Dhaka Metro Rail was 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Also Read: Metro rail: Shewrapara, Uttara South stations now open to public
All the stations on the Uttara-Agargaon route of Dhaka Metro Rail will be operational this month, Siddique said.
Dhaka Metro Rail will start operating in full swing from July this year and then the train will run non-stop from dawn to midnight, he added.
According to DMTCL, Dhaka Metro Rail operation till Motijheel may start by the end of 2024, and till Kamalapur by 2025. By December 2024, metro rail will start operation from Agargaon to Kamalapur with 24 trains.
Read More: Metro rail: Shewrapara, Uttara South stations now open to public
On December 28, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s first elevated metro rail, setting a milestone in the communication history.
Cyclone Sitrang: Dhaka-Khulna & Dhaka-Barishal highways reopen after 10 hours
Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Barishal highways were thrown open on Tuesday (October 25, 2022) morning, nearly 10 hours after remaining closed for vehicular movement in the wake of uprooted trees blocking several stretches during Cyclone Sitrang.
Around 8:30 pm on Monday, the front part of the cyclone started lashing Bangladesh, uprooting trees. "As the fallen trees blocked at least 80km areas on the two highways, the movement of vehicles had to be suspended," said Taimur Alam, officer-in-charge of Bhanga highway police station.
On Tuesday, around 7am, vehicular movement resumed on the two highways after highway police and fire service removed the fallen trees after the rain and storm stopped, said the OC.
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During heavy rains and storm influenced by the cyclone, trees broke down in the Talma Pukuria area on the Dhaka-Barishal highway and in Majhra, Majhigati, Risatala, Joy Bangla, Kailar Mor, Mansurabad on the Dhaka-Khulna highway, said police and fire officials.
Cyclone Sitrang crossed the Barishal-Chattogram coast near Bhola on Monday midnight and weakened rapidly into a depression by giving precipitation, the met office said in its latest bulletin.
Sitrang moved north-northeastwards very fast and completed crossing the Barishal-Chattogram coast, and it now lies over Dhaka-Cumilla-Brahmanbaria and adjoining areas as a land depression, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Read Cyclone Sitrang weakens into depression
PM inaugurates 3rd Shitalakhya Bridge: Movement between Ctg, southwest to be easier
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday inaugurated the third Shitalakhya Bridge in Narayanganj, aiming to ease traffic movement between Chattogram and the southwestern districts via Padma Bridge.
She opened the bridge for public through a video conference from her office.
The Bridge is named after valiant freedom fighter AKM Nasim Osman. It will connect Narayanganj city with Bandar upazila, which would help boost local economy.
The 1.29-kilometer bridge will enable Chattogram region-bound vehicles from southwestern region and vice-versa to bypass Narayanganj city to avoid traffic congestion and save times.
The bridge will connect Madanganaj of Bandar upazila to the east with Syedpur of Narayanganj Sadar upazila to the west.
At present, engine boats are key communication mode for the people of both sides of the river and other areas to cross it.
Now vehicles from the southwestern region use Jatrabari route in Dhaka via Postogola Bridge to go to Chattogram region or use Chashara and Signboard route to reach their destinations.
Read: PM opens Bangladesh’s first 6-lane bridge over Madhumati river
The vehicles will not have to face severe traffic congestion in Panchabati BSCIC industrial area, Panchabati intersection, Chashara intersection, Singboard, Chattogram road in Narayanganj or Postogola and Shanir Akhra route in Dhaka.
The vehicles will be able to bypass capital as well as Narayanganj city, which will result in less pressure on the capital and Narayanganj.
The project was approved in 2010 in ECNEC while construction work started on January 28 in 2018.
The bridge construction was estimated at a cost of Tk 608.56 crore as Tk 263.36 crore came from Bangladesh government fund and Tk 345.20 crore from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
The bridge with walkways has 38 spans - five in river and 33 in the east and west ends. The width of the bridge along with walkways is 22.15 meters.
The Shitalakhya River separates the Bandar Upazila and Sonargoan Upazila from the district headquarters.
These two Upazilas in Narayanganj are not directly connected to the district headquarters by road. Kanchpur Bridge (Shitalakhya-1 Bridge) has to be used to go the district headquarters from the two upazilas, which requires nearly 30 km of travelling by road to cross just 3 to 5 kilometers of distance through the river by boat.
Bangladesh is building a modern transport system: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said her government has been developing a modern transport system by implementation of different projects to accelerate the country’s economic growth.
“We’re developing a modern transport system,” she said while opening the 1493-metre ‘Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge’ over Kacha River at Bekutia in Pirojpur, which established the uninterrupted road connectivity between Khulna Division and Barishal Division.
The premier joined the opening ceremony of the Bekutia bridge through a virtual platform from her office here in the capital.
Read:PM opens Bangamata Bridge over Kacha River in Pirojpur
She said her government enhanced the total length of the country’s highways to 22,000km and 718 km highways have already been upgraded into 4-lane or above-lane ones, while the works are underway to turn more than 600 km highways into 4-lane or above-lane ones.
Hasina said the government is now implementing different projects including metro rail and elevated expressway projects in Dhaka, 20-km Rapid Bus Transit (project) from Gazipur to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Bangabandhu Tunnel under Karnaphuli River in Chattogram and 10-Lane Tongi Bridge Construction projects.
“I think once these projects are completed, our economy will get further momentum,” she said.
The construction work of the bridge was started on November 1 in 2018.
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The Roads and Highways Department constructed the bridge at a cost of Tk 894.08 crore.
The Chinese government provided Tk 654.80 crore as project assistance for the bridge while the Bangladesh government spent Tk 239.80 crore.
The bridge also strengthened the road connectivity between Pirojpur and Dhaka. It also strengthened the road connectivity among Kuakata Sea beach, Payra deep sea port, Mongla sea port and the country's largest land port Benapole.
Sheikh Hasina said it is her government’s duty to change the fate of the people in the entire country. “We’ve already advanced a long way in the journey of our socio-economic development. Bangladesh attained the status of a developing country. I think we’ll able to achieve further economic prosperity,” she said.
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She said the people of the southern region had long been deprived due to poor connectivity with the capital.
The people of this region used to come to Dhaka for livelihoods by crossing several mighty rivers risking their lives and facing immense sufferings.
But now the communication between Dhaka and the southern region became easier as her government constructed many bridges including Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Shikarpur-Duarika Bridge and Gabkhan Bridge, said Hasina.
Noting that many other bridges are being constructed in this region, she said the people of the southern region would not be neglected anymore.
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About the newly opened bridge, the PM said it would help bring economic prosperity for the people of Pirojpur. “The communication between Pirojpur and Dhaka has now become very easy,” she added.
The premier reiterated her call to all for boosting the food production amid the global crisis induced by the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Even a single inch of land shouldn’t remain uncultivated,” she went on.
The PM again urged the people to exercise austerity in the use of electricity, water and fuels during this tough time.
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Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming also spoke at the opening ceremony conducted by PM’s Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus.
Later, the premier exchanged views with the beneficiaries who participated in the two rallies on the two sides of the bridge.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister, also Pirojpur-1 MP, SM Rezaul Karim was present at a rally at the west side of the bridge, while Pirojpur-2 MP Anwar Hossain Manju was present at another rally at its east side.
Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division ABM Amin Ullah Nuri made a power-point presentation over the newly constructed Bangamata Bridge over Kacha River at Bekutia in Pirojpur.
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How to Reduce Oil Consumption in Cars
The current landscape of automobiles is heavily oil-dependent. Petroleum is still the most readily accessible fuel option for automobiles. But with the global rising cost of fuel, it became imperative to be efficient with oil consumption. Besides this, some factors cause excessive fuel consumption in vehicles. Have you ever checked whether your car is consuming more fuel than usual? Here are several methods to reduce oil consumption in cars.
Signs of Excess Fuel Consumption in Cars
Before diving into efficient oil consumption, it is important to understand the signs of excess oil consumption in cars. One of the more telltale signs of high oil consumption is the constant low bar on the fuel gauge. Other indicators include:
Bad Smell
If you constantly smell burning oil in your car, chances are high that there is an issue with the oil flow. This problem might occur from a faulty gasket or a piston ring. Whatever the case, it causes oil to leak into the combustion chamber of the engine.
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This is not ideal as oil isn’t supposed to directly enter the combustion chamber. In addition to running the risk of accidents, it also causes the inside of the car to smell like burnt oil as you fire up the engine.
Blue Smoke
When you keep the car in neutral for too long, you will see that blue smoke is coming out of the exhaust. This is another clear sign that your car is consuming more oil than it should. The blue smoke is generally attributed to excess oil consumption. While it’s a secondary sign to the oil smell, it’s something that reiterates the problem with the piston rings.
What Causes Excess Oil Consumption in Cars
So now that you know the signs of excess oil consumption, it's time to understand what are the underlying factors behind the problem. More often than not, excess oil consumption can easily be controlled with a few simple measures.
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Non-marked Engine Oil
Every engine from a simple VTEC to a V8 has specified engine oils. The companies tune the engine for specific types of engine oils. So it is important to ensure that the recommended oils are being used for the engine.
The specific oil type and in some cases, the oil brand are mentioned in the engine manual.
Regular Oil Change
This is another important factor that determines the oil consumption of the car. Every car engine requires a regular oil change. It helps to keep the internal components running and doesn’t clog up over time.
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It is generally recommended that the oil be changed every 5000 km interval. It can be more or less than that but this should be taken as the median.
Engine Age
An old engine will consume more oil – that’s a grave universal truth. For example, an engine that has run over 100,000 km will consume much more oil than say a 20,000 km running engine. This is mostly because of the wear and tear over the years. The best way to increase engine longevity is to regularly service the car.
Damaged Gaskets and Piston Ring
Gaskets are the caps that act as a sealant against leaks in different engine parts. On the other hand, the piston rings regulate the oil flow. In any case, where the gasket or the piston ring may be damaged, the oil will enter the combustion chamber and show signs as mentioned previously. So, it's important to get the gaskets and the piston rings serviced regularly.
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Vacuum Issues
The vacuum mechanism of a car controls the airflow within the car and its chambers. A faulty vacuum mechanism might allow the oil to leak into the vacuum chamber. This will set a chain reaction where the vacuum will eventually get clogged and restrict the airflow in the entire car.
Driving Style
Believe it or not, driving style may also influence how a car might perform on the oil front. People who love to drive fast with a higher rev count may very well see more oil usage than standard cars.
In addition to these, other oil-related filters and sealing caps may play a role in high oil consumption as well as potential engine damage.
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How to Reduce/Fix Oil Consumption in Cars
So you know the signs and potential causes for oil leaks/ high oil consumption in your car. The question is, how do you fix it? Well, here’s how.
Using Recommended Engine Oil
Always stick to what's written in the manual. The best way to ensure that the engine is up and running is by using the correct engine oil. It will help to keep the engine in perfect condition and reduce the potential risk of high oil consumption.
Changing Engine Oil at Regular Intervals
This point cannot be stressed enough. It’s important to not only use the correct engine oil but also to change it at a regular interval. It ensures that carbon doesn’t build up over time in the engine and cause a potential oil leak.
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Driving Responsibly
Another useful way to conserve oil is to drive in Eco mode. Most modern cars regardless of brands have an Eco mode which greatly contributes to keeping the mileage high and oil consumption low.
Repair the Faulty Engine Parts
The last resort to high oil consumption is to fix the problematic engine parts. This step is generally reserved for old cars. Repairing engine parts won't make the car run like new but it will at least ensure that there isn’t any oil leakage from the car.
Final Words
High oil consumption in cars can be a huge problem. It not only reduces the mileage and overall performance of the car but also drives up the maintenance cost. It's uncommon to see oil consumption problems. The best way to combat the problem is by taking precautions. Once you use your car responsibly and take care of it, the chances of an oil leakage or exessive oil consumption in cars will become significantly low.
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