Eid journey: Passenger flow low at Gabtoli terminal as travellers opt for Padma Bridge routes
Crowd expected to rise in the evening.
Despite the start of a seven-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday from today (17 March), the expected rush of passengers was largely absent at the capital's Gabtoli bus terminal, with most counters remaining relatively quiet as of afternoon.
From morning, transport workers were seen calling out for passengers as many counters sat idle. Transport authorities said although advance tickets had been sold earlier, passengers could still easily purchase tickets directly from counters.
Industry insiders attributed the situation to increased use of the Padma Bridge, with many passengers choosing alternative routes instead of travelling via Gabtoli.
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During a visit to the terminal, Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir said there is no scope for charging extra fares and warned that immediate action would be taken upon receiving complaints.
"Police nationwide have been instructed to ensure smooth Eid travel," he added.
Transport operators believe passenger numbers may increase later in the evening.
Ratul Hossain Shuvo, counter master of Russell Enterprise, said their buses operate to Magura, Jashore and Satkhira, with fares to Satkhira set at Tk960. "However, due to low demand, only four buses had departed from Gabtoli by 2pm."
He also noted a fuel shortage, saying while a bus requires around 140 litres of fuel, they are currently receiving only 20 litres, forcing them to avoid advance ticket sales.
Passengers, however, reported mixed experiences.
Mohammad Al Amin, who was travelling to Khulna, said he managed to buy a ticket for Tk830. Meanwhile, Abdul Malek said he struggled for nearly an hour to find a ticket to Kushtia.
Counter officials said advance tickets for 17, 18 and 19 March had already been sold out, though additional buses have been arranged to manage demand.
Some operators also pointed to infrastructure issues.
Mohammad Ripon, a counter master of Sakura Paribahan, said road repairs in the Beribadh area need to be expedited.
Another official, Faruk Hossain, said the absence of a direct bypass road to the Padma Bridge from Gabtoli is driving passengers toward Sayedabad, where travel is faster.
Buses heading to Barishal, Kuakata and Faridpur were seen with particularly low passenger turnout, while routes to northern districts such as Rangpur, Kurigram, Dinajpur, Gaibandha and Lalmonirhat had comparatively higher demand.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Executive Magistrate Sukanta Saha said a vigilance team comprising BRTA, police, city corporation and transport stakeholders has been deployed at the terminal to ensure safe and smooth travel during Eid.
He added that complaints of harassment or overcharging are being addressed immediately, with fines imposed where necessary.
