Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said millions of people have left the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, while the overall holiday travel situation remains under satisfactory management despite heavy pressure on roads, railways and waterways.
He also said the transportation of nearly 8 million sacrificial animals is continuing smoothly.
The minister made the comments to journalists on Wednesday after visiting the Mohakhali Bus Terminal in Dhaka. He said nearly 15 million people are leaving Dhaka within two to three days, creating a major management challenge. Despite this, the government is working in coordination across road, rail and water transport systems to reduce public suffering.
He said the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority’s (BRTA) central control room is monitoring the transport situation round the clock. Authorities are taking immediate action if complaints of overcharging or irregularities are received. He also claimed that most passengers are travelling at government-fixed fares.
Regarding traffic congestion in the Chandra area before the Jamuna Bridge, the minister said traffic is slowing because vehicles from seven lanes are merging into two lanes. However, he described it as a normal situation during the Eid rush rather than a major problem.
He also said 51 additional coaches have been added to trains to ensure smoother Eid travel. Separate coaches for women have also been introduced on several intercity trains operating on the Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Mymensingh routes.