Eid rush surges on last working day; authorities brace for massive homebound travel

With Eid-ul-Adha only three days away, homebound travel pressure surged across Dhaka yesterday (24 May), the last working day for government employees before the holidays, as millions prepared to leave the capital by road, rail and waterways.

From early morning, bus terminals and railway stations saw long passenger queues, while authorities enforced extensive traffic and security measures to keep the Eid journey smooth.

At Sayedabad bus terminal, transport operators claimed they were not charging fares above government-fixed rates, though many passengers alleged indirect overcharging.

Hasibul Hasan, travelling to Magura, told TBS he was charged Tk800 instead of the usual Tk650, as operators charged fares based on the final destination rather than his stop.

However, some passengers reported smaller fare increases. Taslima Akter, travelling to Cumilla, said her fare rose from Tk200 to Tk220.

At Gabtoli, passenger pressure remained manageable, with buses leaving mostly on schedule. Transport operators said many people had already sent family members home earlier because of the long holiday.

Mehdi Hasan, travelling to Chuadanga, said he bought an advance ticket for Tk750 and was not charged any additional Eid fare.

Railway pressure also intensified as thousands rushed to leave Dhaka by train. Railway authorities said around 40,000 passengers would travel daily during Eid, up from the usual 32,000.

During a visit to Kamalapur Railway Station, Road Transport, Railways and Shipping minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said 51 extra coaches had been added to manage the rush. He said authorities were trying to avoid major disruptions despite ageing rail lines and locomotives.

Although most trains left on time till noon, Parabat Express, Nilsagar Express and Burimari Express faced delays. Five pairs of special Eid trains have also been introduced.

Pressure on waterways is also increasing. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority said 172 launches have been kept ready at Sadarghat terminal, compared with the usual 50-55 vessels operating during regular periods.

Special launch services commenced on Sunday from Bosila and Shimulia ghats to alleviate congestion at Sadarghat during peak travel periods.

To alleviate congestion on the highways, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has imposed a ban on trucks, covered vans, and tank lorries from using the highways between 25 and 31 May. This restriction excludes vehicles transporting sacrificial animals, essential goods, medicine, and fuel.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has issued directives to prohibit roadside passenger pickups, illegal parking, and the operation of unfit vehicles. Authorities identified 113 congestion-prone points on eight major highways, with the highest number on the Dhaka-Sylhet route.

RAB reported that patrols and surveillance at cattle markets and along highways have been intensified to combat extortion, robbery, and the forced diversion of trucks transporting cattle. Law enforcement agencies also increased monitoring at terminals, stations and launch ghats to ensure passenger safety and maintain smooth traffic movement during the Eid rush.