Every year during Eid, people going back home have to face a huge hassle. Though this year, transport officials say that that travel during Eid time will be easier.
They claim that most roads are in a proper shape and since there will be nine days of holidays, passenger suffering will be eased. Meanwhile, information from the department of roads and highways says that compared to previous years, the roads are better though one fourth is still uneven.
Reportedly, 1073 km of road is in not smooth. One such strip of road is the one from Dhaka airport to Gazipur. Due to work of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) the width of the road has narrowed considerably.
In case of rain, there’s water logging which triggers severe traffic jam.
But since two flyovers have been inaugurated on the Gazipur Chandra road, traffic movement will ease there.
Travellers on the Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka Tangail road face massive tailbacks during Eid.
This year, suffering will remain as the work for four lanes is still going on the Dhaka-Tangail highway.
In addition, construction for Metro rail is underway at the capital.
Secretary-general of the Bangladesh Road Transport Association, Khondokar Enayetullah, said: “Since roads are better now, we hope travelling during Eid will be comfortable; we also have 3000 buses as reserve.”
There is no chance for taking extra money since law enforcers will be placed at all bus counters, he added.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that Eid journey for holidaymakers will be easier and more comfortable this year.
“There shouldn’t be any congestion on the roads if the divers follow traffic rules,” he said and added, that there is a bit of problem at the Gazipur road due to the BRT construction work.
Secretary general of the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, Mozammel Huq Chowdhury, says: “Despite the fears, there’s enough reason to feel optimistic; this time, Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Chattogram roads have improved considerably.”
Due to time taken at the toll boxes, jams may take form, he warned.
To ease suffering of people going back home, the ministry has taken 32 steps which include, maintenance of highways, placement of vigilant teams, removal of floating markets on the main highways, controlling of ramshackle vehicles, stopping the plying of three wheelers like Nasimon, Karimon and easy bikes on the highways, launching special BRTC service and keeping the CNG stations open.