The government and transport operators have agreed to take extra cautionary measures to ensure safe journey for the holidaymakers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as the rush will get momentum during monsoon this year.
Shipping authorities, representatives of the civil and police administration, and launch owners yesterday held a meeting at the BIWTA office, and made some decisions including keeping rescue vessels ready, preventing launches from taking extra passengers and fitness inspection to avoid accidents.
The other decisions include keeping sufficient life-jackets in launches, checking travel on rooftop, operating vessels by skilled drivers and giving them access to weather forecast round the clock and building awareness among passengers.
At the meeting, the launch operators vowed not to carry excessive passengers than capacity and not to charge additional fare. They also demanded stop of extortion during the Eid days.
In response, Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan said the law enforcers were directed to take stern action against the wrongdoers. He also said the government would start operation of a new vessel “Modhumoti” before the Eid.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday told parliament that no traffic congestion would be created on highways during Eid. “Country’s highways are fit for vehicles. Moreover, mobile teams of engineers will remain standby to repair roads instantly.”
He also said the Dhaka-Mymensingh four-lane would be opened for vehicles before Eid.
The Railways Ministry would start selling advance tickets both online and from booths on July 9 and has decided to run seven pairs of extra trains to cope with the additional passengers, Minister Mazibul Hoque told a press briefing at his office yesterday. Return tickets would be available from July 16, he added.
