Smart Travel Plan: Tech-Driven Measures Ensuring Safer, Smoother Eid Journeys
The Road Transport and Highways Division has announced a comprehensive and coordinated set of measures, supported by technology-driven management, to ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable journey for homebound passengers during the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
On Thursday, March 19, it was informed that as part of this technology-based management system, 87 CCTV cameras have been installed at 34 key locations. In addition, rapid decision-making is being carried out through the analysis of live data from Google Maps and information from mass media. These government initiatives have already begun to show positive impacts at the field level, with visible improvements in passenger services.
At the core of this operation is the central control room established at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) in Banani. Operating 24 hours a day from March 16 to March 23, this control room is closely monitoring road conditions across the country. Passengers are receiving immediate assistance by contacting the 16107 hotline and designated mobile numbers, making services more accessible and effective.
To control traffic congestion and maintain road discipline, nine special monitoring teams are working in the field. They are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance at 199 vulnerable points along major corridors, including the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, Dhaka–Tangail Highway, Dhaka–Sylhet Highway, and Dhaka–Aricha Highway.
The government has taken a strict stance against passenger harassment and overcharging. A total of 24 executive magistrates are conducting mobile courts from March 12 to March 24.
Additionally, displaying fare charts at terminals has been made mandatory, and carrying passengers on bus rooftops or in goods vehicles has been strictly prohibited. At the same time, from March 17 to March 23, the movement of trucks, covered vans, and lorries—except those carrying essential goods—has been suspended to prioritize passenger transport.
To ensure uninterrupted Eid travel, advance road maintenance has been completed, and construction-related activities of the Dhaka Metro Rail and Dhaka Elevated Expressway have been temporarily halted. In the Gazipur area, efforts to ease congestion include the rapid completion of the BRT flyover work and enhanced road lighting.
To handle increased passenger pressure, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has introduced special Eid services, with sufficient standby buses kept ready. Urban travel has also been eased by increasing metro rail trips and reducing headway intervals. Furthermore, additional ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) booths have been set up at ferry terminals and toll plazas to ensure faster vehicle movement.
The positive impact of these initiatives is already visible at the field level. A major traffic jam was avoided at the Postogola Bridge area through the swift removal of a broken-down truck. Traffic flow has been maintained by introducing diversion routes in areas such as Chandra intersection, Kodda, and Konabari. In Narayanganj’s Tarabo road, the eviction of floating shops has improved traffic movement. Efficient management has also kept vehicle pressure under control in Chandina and Daudkandi areas.
Immediate action is being taken upon receiving complaints of overcharging, and passengers are being refunded. Strict measures have been enforced against irregularities on routes such as Abdullahpur, Dhaka–Chandpur, Dhaka–Chouddagram, and Dhaka–Chapainawabganj. At the same time, transport operators have been instructed to ensure seats for women, children, and elderly passengers.
Officials concerned stated that the Road Transport and Highways Division remains committed to ensuring a safe, orderly, and passenger-friendly Eid journey through coordination with law enforcement agencies and local administration. Preparations are also in place to provide immediate medical and ambulance services through the national emergency service 999 in any urgent situation.
Overall, due to the government’s timely and coordinated initiatives, this year’s Eid travel is expected to be safer, more comfortable, and more passenger-friendly than ever before.
DBTech/ND/MUM/OR
