Smooth Eid travel via Padma Bridge, Gazipur; fare hike concerns persist

Eid travel on the Dhaka–Mawa highway has remained largely smooth, with no reports of traffic congestion, although allegations of fare overcharging have caused concern among passengers.

With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, a surge of homebound travellers has been observed since this morning (17 March), particularly along the Dhaka–Mawa route.

Accordingly, Monday (16 March) was the last working day before Eid.

Commuters from 21 districts in the south-western region are reaching their destinations without disruption through the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge in Munshiganj.

According to relevant sources, although the government holiday will last seven days starting today, the Eid holiday for garment factories is expected to be approximately seven to ten days.

To avoid traffic congestion and inconvenience during Eid, the garment factories in Gazipur will observe the holiday in phases. This decision has been taken with the unanimous agreement of the police and factory owners.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Israel Howlader said, "To ensure the safe journey of people returning to their homes for Eid, we are coordinating closely with the Highway and Industrial Police. The aim is to allow garment workers to travel to their native places without inconvenience and to prevent excessive traffic pressure on the highways. With this in mind, the factories have been instructed to observe holidays in phases."

"Strict measures have been taken to prevent indiscriminate passenger pick-ups and illegal parking. We hope that this year's Eid travel will be significantly more comfortable compared to previous years. Phasing the holidays instead of granting them all at once has brought relief among the workers,"  he added.

On the ground, despite heavy vehicular pressure, traffic movement has remained uninterrupted, with no significant congestion reported anywhere along the highway.

At the Padma Bridge toll plaza, seven booths for larger vehicles and three separate counters for motorcycles are in operation, ensuring swift toll collection.

As a result, vehicles are crossing the bridge without long queues, allowing passengers to complete their journeys with minimal hassle.

Mohammad Sharif Uddin, superintendent of Police in Gazipur, said that over 800 police personnel will be deployed on traffic duty to manage congestion on key roads, including the Dhaka–Tangail and Dhaka–Mymensingh highways. Special attention will be given to the Bishwaroad area in Kaliganj.

Many travellers have expressed satisfaction over the smooth Eid journey this year. However, complaints of overcharging by transport operators have dampened the festive mood.

Sohel Mia, a worker from the Bhogora area of the city, noted that when everyone used to take leave on the same day, buses and trains would be overcrowded.

"With the rotated schedule, I expect travel to be a bit easier," he said.

Passengers allege that operators are charging fares above the approved rates, taking advantage of the increased demand ahead of Eid.

Superintendent of Police of Munshiganj Md Menhajul Alam said law enforcement agencies remain active to ensure smooth traffic flow and passenger safety on both the Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Mawa highways.

"Around 500 members of the district police have been deployed at key points," he said, adding that the force is on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents and curb passenger harassment.

At the Padma Bridge toll plaza, seven booths for larger vehicles and three separate counters for motorcycles remain operational, enabling swift toll collection.

As a result, drivers are crossing the bridge without long queues.

Passengers have expressed satisfaction at completing their Eid journeys without significant inconvenience.

Yet, many passengers claim that transport operators are collecting fares above the approved rates, taking advantage of the Eid rush.