Three-wheelers, roadworks may hinder smooth Eid travel: Transport operators

As millions prepare to travel home for Eid-ul-Fitr, transport operators and stakeholders said vehicles such as three-wheelers and battery-run auto-rickshaws on highways, as well as ongoing road construction projects, could create major bottlenecks on key routes.

However, authorities concerned have said highway conditions are comparatively better this year, with several measures taken to ensure a smooth and safe journey for holiday travellers.

Talking to The Business Standard, Hanif Paribahan driver Yeakub Ali expressed frustration, saying, "The [condition of] highways may be better, but battery-run three-wheelers will park haphazardly, pick up passengers randomly, and create massive congestion."

His concerns were echoed by Shyamoli Transport driver Md Aslam, who highlighted how these vehicles frequently violate traffic rules, leading to accidents.

"They move slowly and suddenly cut in front of buses that are moving at high speed. Even if we stay alert, braking in time isn't always possible," said Aslam.

According to Mojammel Hossain Chowdhury, general secretary of Jatri Kallyan Samity, around 20 lakh auto-rickshaws operate across Bangladesh, with at least five lakh expected to hit the roads illegally during Eid.

"Battery-run three-wheelers are prone to severe accidents, often resulting in deaths as passengers rarely survive such crashes," he added.

Mojammel also raised concerns about long-distance bike rides, stating that motorcycles are unsafe for highways, especially when ridden for extended periods by inexperienced riders seeking extra income.

Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association said they are working with the government and law enforcement agencies to address these issues. 

Md Saiful Alam, secretary general of the association, told TBS, "No doubt, the highways are in good condition this year, but battery-run auto-rickshaws are emerging as a major threat."

"We have instructed our drivers to remain cautious while driving," he added.

"We are already receiving reports of illegal vehicles operating on the highways in the outskirts of Dhaka. 

"We have urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take this matter seriously, as these vehicles could cause accidents and contribute to road indiscipline," he further said, adding that they have assured us that special measures will be taken to address the issue.

Unfinished highways to add to travellers' woes

Beyond the challenge of three-wheelers and despite improved roads, road conditions in some areas may cause further congestion and suffering for travellers, according to transport operators.

In Brahmanbaria, several kilometres of the Cumilla-Sylhet highway remain in poor condition due to long-overdue repairs, with potholes making travel difficult. The damaged road has raised concerns of severe passenger suffering during Eid travel.

But the Roads and Highways Department said they have already begun repairing these sections to minimise disruptions during the holiday rush.

Meanwhile, the four-lane expansion project from Ashuganj river port to Akhaura land port, being implemented by Indian contractor Afcons Infrastructure Limited, has also led to disruptions. Due to various challenges, the project has not been completed on time, causing increased suffering for commuters.

A significant portion of this road falls under the Cumilla-Sylhet Highway, but as it is part of the project, the Roads and Highways Department has been unable to carry out regular maintenance work.

When asked, Shamim Ahmed, project manager of the Ashuganj-Akhaura four-lane highway, said, "We have already started repairing the damaged sections, and several portions have been completed. To prevent traffic jams during Eid, we have also opened one lane of the under-construction road in the Ghatura area."

Additionally, four-lane expansion work on the Dhaka-Sylhet and Tangail-Rangpur highways is ongoing. Although authorities initially planned to open these roads before Eid, delays may result in travel difficulties along these routes.

Heavy congestion is also expected in the Gazipur region once garment factories close for Eid. The ongoing Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway construction could further impact major routes like Baipail and Ashulia, leading to severe traffic jams if mismanaged.

Government measures for smooth Eid travel

To ensure hassle-free Eid journeys, the government has rolled out comprehensive measures across the country.

Over 155 traffic-prone spots have been brought under special surveillance, with mobile courts deployed to crack down on overcharging and illegal vehicle movements. Other measures include round-the-clock security patrols, help desks at Dhaka's bus terminals, and controlled speed limits on elevated expressways.

According to the Road Transport and Highways Department, most of the renovation work on national highways, including Dhaka-Rangpur and Dhaka-Sylhet routes, have been completed. Moreover, all ongoing development projects have been temporarily halted to facilitate smoother journeys.

Key infrastructure upgrades, such as the four-lane expansions from Elenga to Jamuna Bridge and the Jhawal Bridge, have been operational since 20 March, with the Kanchanpur and Ghatura bridges also opening to improve traffic flow, they said.

To ensure security and prevent unwanted incidents, CCTV cameras and searchlights have been installed at major terminals like Sadarghat, Mohakhali, and Gabtoli, linking them to police control rooms for real-time monitoring.

Hospitals along highways have also been put on alert, supported by the national emergency helpline 999. Additionally, 13 Fire Service teams are ready for rapid response. 

The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has launched 775 special buses for inter-district travel, and ferry services have been increased to reduce road congestion. Toll plazas at major bridges, including Padma and Jamuna, have been adequately staffed, with electronic toll systems optimised for faster processing.