Staff Correspondent:

Despite smooth traffic flow on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway, Eid travelers are facing significant risks as they resort to unsafe transport options.

Many passengers, unable to secure seats on buses, are riding on trucks, pickups, and motorcycles, with some even perching atop chicken cages. Additionally, transport operators have been accused of overcharging fares, adding to commuters’ struggles.

Both men and women, including children, have been seen taking these unsafe measures to reach their destinations.

To manage the traffic flow, 750 police personnel have been deployed along a 65-kilometer stretch of the highway in Tangail.

Meanwhile, data from the Jamuna Bridge Authority shows that in the past 24 hours, 35,227 vehicles have crossed the bridge, generating a toll revenue of Tk2.65 crore

Field reports indicate that although vehicle pressure has increased, congestion has been avoided. Many passengers are waiting at various points along the highway, struggling to find transport, while law enforcement personnel monitor the situation.

Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque and Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman were scheduled to inspect the highway on Friday at 11am.

Authorities attribute the rising traffic pressure to the closure of garment factories on Thursday evening, which led to a significant increase in vehicles, particularly between Elenga and Jamuna Bridge.

The Jamuna Bridge Authority reported that from Wednesday midnight to Thursday midnight, a total of 35,227 vehicles crossed the bridge within 24 hours.

Among them, 20,241 vehicles were heading toward North Bengal, generating a toll revenue of Tk1.34 crore. On the other hand, 14,986 vehicles traveled toward Dhaka, contributing to a toll collection of Tk1.30 crore.

Additionally, the bridge authority noted that compared to Wednesday, 2,002 more vehicles crossed the Jamuna Bridge on Thursday, although the total toll revenue was lower. Over the past four days, a total of 1,07,337 vehicles have used the bridge, generating a toll revenue of more than Tk10 crore.

Executive Engineer of the Jamuna Bridge Site Office, Ahsanul Kabir Pavel, said that 18 toll booths—nine on each side—are in operation to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Additionally, separate booths have been designated for motorcycles.

Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman reassured that while no major traffic jams have occurred, authorities remain on high alert to handle any potential disruptions.