Pedestrians are forced to cross the wide intersection of Sholashahar Gate-2 putting their lives at risk in the absence of a foot-over bridge.

The intersection is one of the most hectic spots in the port city with different public and private vehicles moving towards different routes.

According to Traffic Department at Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), around 2,000 vehicles ply at this intersection in an hour at rush time.

Typically, vehicles traversing four routes within the port city must pass through this intersection.

Locals and traffic department sources said due to the construction of a culvert at Muradpur intersection, which has halted vehicular traffic on the Muradpur to Oxygen route for months, the majority of vehicles travelling on the route also use the intersection. As a result, it has become busier and more chaotic.

 "Every day, we have to cross this intersection putting our lives at risk," said 47-year-old Ismail, a resident of the area. "I am a local in this area and I've never seen a foot-over bridge in this busy intersection since my childhood," he added.

Farzana Akter, another local, said, "Nobody will understand what goes on in my mind when I cross the intersection with my seven-year-old son. Not even a zebra crossing exists in this intersection. Sometimes, I can hear my heart beating when I see any big vehicle coming towards us while crossing the intersection."

Tariqul Islam, traffic inspector of CMP, said, "Even officials of the department of traffic face difficulties in controlling traffic in the area. A foot-over bridge is badly needed in this intersection so that pedestrians can cross the road safely."

Contacted, Rafiqul Islam, chief engineer of Chattogram City Corporation, said a total of 38 foot-over bridges will be built on different roads and intersections in the port city under a mega project, which will start soon. "A foot-over bridge will also be built at Sholashahar intersection under this project," he added.