Homebound rush begins: Padma Bridge and Dhaka-Chattogram highway keep Eid travel smooth
Despite minor delays at the toll booths, thousands of private cars, motorcycles and microbuses crossed the Padma Bridge without major disruption
With Eid-ul-Adha just around the corner, millions from southern and southeastern Bangladesh have begun their journey home. Thanks to the Padma Bridge and improved highway management, including on the busy Dhaka-Chattogram route, this year's Eid travel has so far been smooth, despite a noticeable rise in vehicle numbers.
Travellers from 21 districts of southern Bangladesh have begun their journey home through the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, with the Padma Bridge once again proving to be a game changer for Eid travel.
Since last night (4 June), following the end of the last working day before Eid, traffic has steadily increased at the Munshiganj end of the expressway. By early this morning (5 June), long lines of vehicles were seen at the Mawa toll plaza, although movement remained smooth.
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Despite minor delays at the toll booths, thousands of private cars, motorcycles and microbuses crossed the Padma Bridge without major disruption. Long-haul buses also moved steadily, as traffic police and bridge authorities worked together to keep the flow of vehicles uninterrupted.
While the highway was packed with eager holidaymakers, the atmosphere was calm, and commuters appeared satisfied with the journey so far. Unlike the days of ferry queues and weather-induced uncertainty, the Padma Bridge has turned the once-dreaded southbound Eid travel into a hassle-free experience.
Travellers expressed relief and joy over the improved journey.
"It used to take hours, sometimes a whole day, to cross the river during Eid. But now, it's just smooth driving," said Razin Hossain, who was travelling with his family to Madaripur.
Padma Bridge authorities said they have taken additional measures to handle the Eid rush.
With the long weekend underway, the pressure on the expressway is expected to intensify throughout Thursday night and Friday. However, officials remain optimistic that the Padma Bridge will once again deliver a comfortable Eid journey for the people of southern Bangladesh.
No major congestion on Dhaka-Chattogram highway
Despite a surge in vehicles ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, traffic on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Cumilla remained mostly smooth today (5 June), with no reports of gridlocks or serious incidents. While vehicle pressure, especially on the Chattogram-bound lane, has increased, commuters are able to reach their destinations without major delays.
According to Cumilla Highway Police, no incidents of robbery or mugging have been reported on the highway.
A visit to key points such as Paduar Bazar Bishwa Road revealed that although the Chattogram-bound lane was busy with buses and private cars, the Dhaka-bound lane remained relatively clear. Inter-district buses leaving Cumilla were crowded, while those arriving from Dhaka and Chattogram had fewer passengers.
Jakir Hossain, a passenger travelling from Chattogram to Cumilla on a Tisha Platinum bus, said, "Our office closed yesterday. I left in the morning. It was difficult to find a bus at first, but once on board, the highway journey was smooth."
Abdul Jalil, a ceramic trader from Dhaka, added, "I got on the bus at Sayedabad. Traffic was slow near Narayanganj and Daudkandi, but from Eliotganj to Cumilla, it was a quick ride."
Traffic on the highway started to increase from Monday following the Eid break in educational institutions on 29 May. Pressure intensified from Tuesday night when private sector holidays began, peaking on Thursday as government offices also closed.
Khairul Alam, additional DIG and Superintendent of Police of the Cumilla Highway Region, said, "We're working tirelessly to ensure a pleasant Eid journey. Police officers are highly motivated, and I'm personally monitoring and patrolling the highway."
Referring to recent concerns over highway crimes, he added, "There had been fears of robbery and mugging. Due to our vigilance, these crimes have significantly declined. We want people to feel safe - return home without worry."
High vehicle pressure on Jatrabari-Mawa highway
Vehicle pressure has significantly increased on the Jatrabari-Mawa highway as people begin leaving Dhaka for Eid-ul-Adha. Travellers from 19 southern districts and other regions are using this route to head home, while cattle traders are making their way into the capital with sacrificial animals.
Increased vehicular movement has led to congestion on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway, creating tailbacks in some parts, particularly up to the Padma Bridge toll plaza.
During a visit around noon, the traffic was moving slowly from before the Sreenagar rail overbridge. It is taking most vehicles around 15 minutes to cross the 736-metre bridge, with delays sometimes stretching even longer.
The longest tailback was observed at the Padma Bridge toll plaza.
However, compared to the morning rush, traffic pressure slightly eased in the afternoon and evening.
