Highway conditions remained mixed on key outbound routes from the capital ahead of Eid, with smooth traffic reported on the Dhaka–Aricha highway and the Padma Bridge corridor, while intermittent congestion affected a long stretch of the Dhaka–Tangail–Jamuna Bridge highway overnight before easing in the morning.
Despite heavy passenger and vehicular pressure, traffic moved without disruption on the Dhaka–Aricha and Dhaka–Mawa routes, whereas excessive vehicle load, breakdowns, and minor accidents led to slow movement across a 22-kilometre stretch on the Dhaka–Tangail corridor.
22km intermittent congestion on Dhaka–Tangail–Jamuna Bridge highway
Intermittent traffic congestion stretched across nearly 22 kilometres on the Dhaka–Tangail–Jamuna Bridge highway, from the east end of the Jamuna Bridge to the Rabna Bypass, since midnight due to excessive vehicle pressure and breakdowns at different points along the highway.
Eid holidaymakers travelling home faced significant suffering as vehicles moved slowly or remained stuck at intervals. However, due to the active efforts of law enforcement agencies, traffic movement began to return to normal around 7:00am.
Elenga Highway Police In-Charge Md Sharif told The Daily Star around 9:30am that although there was intense pressure of vehicles, traffic was not completely halted anywhere.
“Despite excessive vehicular pressure, minor accidents and various issues, police are working to keep traffic movement normal on the highway,” he said.
According to bridge authorities, a total of 51,584 vehicles crossed the Jamuna Bridge in the 24 hours until midnight.
Tangail Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar said, “Due to excessive vehicular pressure and breakdowns on the highway, slow movement persisted from night until dawn. However, the situation has been returning to normal since morning due to the efforts of law enforcement agencies.”
Dhaka–Aricha Highway sees no congestion
Despite significant passenger and vehicular pressure, no traffic congestion has been reported on the Dhaka–Aricha Highway from Aminbazar to Dhamrai.
However, due to increased traffic on the Nabinagar–Chandra highway, vehicles were seen moving slowly in some spots.
Around 9:30am, Officer-in-Charge of Savar Highway Police Station Sheikh Shahjahan confirmed the information to The Daily Star.
“There is pressure from both passengers and vehicles on the Dhaka–Aricha Highway, but it is lower than yesterday and last night. Vehicles are moving as usual,” he said.
“On the Nabinagar–Chandra Highway, traffic pressure is higher, and vehicles are moving slowly at some spots. The pressure may increase further as the day progresses. However, I do not expect any major traffic congestion,” the OC added.
Smooth journey to the south via Padma Bridge
People from 21 southern districts travelled home for Eid via the Padma Bridge without facing any hassle or suffering.
Although the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway and the toll plaza at the Mawa end in Munshiganj experienced a slightly higher volume of traffic than usual, efficient management by the authorities ensured quick toll collection, allowing vehicles carrying homebound passengers to move smoothly towards their destinations.
Both long-distance public transport and a significant number of private vehicles were seen on the expressway, while many travellers also crossed the bridge on motorcycles.
Executive Engineer of the Padma Bridge side office, Abu Saad, said the authorities are continuing efforts to ensure a smooth Eid journey for travellers heading to the southern region.
He added that with seven dedicated toll booths for large vehicles and three separate counters for motorcycles, toll collection is being carried out efficiently, preventing long queues at the toll plaza.
In 24 hours till this morning, a total of 41,885 vehicles crossed the bridge from both ends, generating toll revenue of Tk 45,405,250.