No traffic jams today despite increased pressure on roads ahead of Eid

Although the pressure of vehicles increased during the Eid journey from the working day, there were no reports of major traffic jams on the roads and highways until Sunday night. 

As the traffic on the Padma and Jamuna bridges doubled, there was a slowdown, but there was no deadlock.

Although three trains left the capital late in the morning, the schedule was fine till night. Most factories will be closed today, Monday; so there is a fear of traffic jams after the evening rush.

Last year, there was a lot of suffering on the previous two days during the holy Eid-ul-Azha. This time too, there is a fear of traffic jams on Monday and Tuesday. 

Eid will be celebrated next Thursday. Most factories in Gazipur will be closed today, Monday and tomorrow, Tuesday.

The gateway to North Bengal is Chandra crossing in Kaliakoir, Gazipur. There is a long traffic jam here every Eid. The traffic pressure has increased till 10 pm yesterday. Traffic movement on this section of the Dhaka-North Bengal highway was normal from morning to afternoon. However, the traffic pressure has increased since afternoon.

There was a lot of traffic pressure on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway from Bhogra in Gazipur to Cherag Ali in Tongi yesterday around 10 pm. Vehicles were moving intermittently. Drivers and passengers said that vehicles were not able to move at normal speeds due to the rain.

Traffic pressure also increased in the Narayanganj section of the Dhaka-Chittagong and Dhaka-Sylhet highways after the afternoon. People heading home are crowding the transport counters. Although the situation on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway is relatively normal, the traffic pressure has increased further due to the slow toll collection at the Meghna toll plaza.

Work is underway to upgrade six lanes of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway. Yesterday's rain caused mud and sand from the construction work to cause problems in the Barpa and Bholata areas of Rupganj. Vehicles are suffering due to the slow speed of the potholes on the highway.

Minister claims passengers are satisfied with Eid travel arrangements

Claiming that train passengers are satisfied, Road, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said that there is no risk of schedule disruption. Trains are being operated during the Eid journey with utmost caution on old railway lines and locomotives. Talking to reporters after visiting Dhaka's Kamalapur station yesterday, he said that during normal times, about 32,000 passengers are transported daily by intercity trains from Dhaka. Arrangements have been made to transport 40,000 passengers with an additional 25 percent ticket for Eid. But there is a demand for train travel for lakhs of passengers.

Claiming to have made a surprise visit to Kamalapur, the minister said, "It was not decided in advance which train I would board. During the inspection, I boarded two trains and spoke to the passengers. The passengers expressed their satisfaction. The environment of the train and platform seemed good. The journey is within the seating capacity."

Regarding the delay in the departure of some trains in the morning, the minister said that three trains are running a little late. The Burimari Express, on its way to Dhaka, was damaged due to the slipping of its wheels due to straw left to dry on the railway line. That is why it arrived late in Dhaka. As a result, the Kurigram Express is being delayed quite a bit in leaving Dhaka.

In the afternoon, Road Transport Minister Sheikh Rabiul attended a road accident prevention and public awareness meeting as the chief guest at Kharajora in Kaliakair Upazila. 

He said, "Those of us who are in charge, we feel Eid only when we hear that people who are heading home have returned home with relief. The roads are empty."