Severe congestion persists on the Lohagara section of the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway despite road widening, according to a report published on July 26, 2026. Numerous hawker shops, illegal CNG auto-rickshaw and Laguna stands have developed on both sides of Bottoli Motor Station. Roadside markets in Thakurdighi, Padua, Bottoli Station and Chunati are also adding to delays for passengers using the route.

Various unauthorized three-wheelers, including Lagunas, Magic vehicles, tomtoms, nasimons, battery-run rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, are operating on the highway. The report says three-wheelers remain in use despite a High Court directive banning them from highways. It also cites allegations that many vehicles lack valid documents, while illegal stands and such traffic contribute to accidents and congestion.

Lohagara traffic in-charge Hasanuzzaman cited uneven road edges, vehicles stopping indiscriminately and two weekly cattle markets as causes of congestion. Dohazari Highway Police said at least 400 to 500 CNG auto-rickshaws operate daily on the Lohagara stretch. Officer-in-Charge Salah Uddin Chowdhury said regular drives are being conducted against prohibited vehicles in Lohagara, Chandanaish and Satkania.