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Published : 29 Mar 2025, 04:13 PM
As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, traffic on highways is increasing, with a rush of homebound travellers passing through the Maowa end of the Padma Bridge, the gateway to southern Bangladesh.
In 24 hours from Thursday midnight to Friday midnight, a total of 39,637 vehicles crossed the Padma Bridge, generating over Tk 42.5 million in tolls, according to Quazi Ferdous, chief engineer of the bridge authority.
Among the vehicles, at least 10,000 were motorcycles.
To manage the growing pressure, an additional temporary toll booth has been set up at the Maowa end of the bridge from Saturday, the second day of the nine-day holiday.
Vehicles, including motorcycles, are passing through nine lanes.
Many travellers set off early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat, leading to long queues at the toll plaza at times, while at other times, the lanes remain clear.
All types of vehicles, including motorcycles, private cars, jeeps, microbuses, buses, and trucks, are crossing the bridge.
Traffic volume fluctuates, sometimes forming long queues and at other times easing up.
The authorities have taken measures to ensure a smooth Eid journey.
The army has been deployed, while 400 police personnel and a large number of other law-enforcing agency members are on duty to maintain order.
Due to the extended holiday period, many passengers are returning home in a more relaxed manner.
Ferdous said the bridge authorities have made extensive preparations to facilitate smooth travel.
He added that since this year’s holiday is longer, travellers are leaving at different times, preventing excessive congestion at once.
With continuous monitoring by bridge authorities, operators are working around the clock, keeping traffic under control, he said.
No untoward incidents have been reported on the highway so far, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Sreenagar Circle) Md Anichur Rahman.
Law-enforcing agency members are active in ensuring the safety and security of passengers, he added.
