Warns against boarding rod-laden trucks and unfit vehicles during holiday rush

TDS Desk:

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday said the public and private sectors do not have enough roadworthy vehicles to carry around 1.5 crore people during the Eid rush.

Rabiul, also railways and shipping minister, made the remark while speaking at the inauguration of a 25 percent fare discount facility for elderly and physically challenged passengers on metro rail and train services at Farmgate Metro Station in Dhaka today.

“We urge passengers to remain patient, wait for fit vehicles, and travel by regular buses from bus terminals. However, most people cannot be stopped from travelling otherwise,” he also said.

The minister said BRTA does not allow any unfit vehicles to operate, but many such vehicles enter the roads in different districts during the Eid rush.

“Police try to control them. The pressure of passengers becomes so high that it is difficult to control everything. We are gradually ensuring that unfit vehicles cannot operate,” Rabiul said.

Referring to today’s road accident involving a rod-laden truck in Tangail, the minister said preliminary information suggested that 25 to 26 passengers had boarded the truck before the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned.

“It was an unfortunate accident. I have learned that around 15 to 16 people have died. Boarding a rod-laden truck in this way is extremely risky. This accident does not appear to be directly linked to road management,” he said.

On Eid journeys, the minister said more than 1.5 crore people would leave Dhaka in two days. Many leave directly for the highways instead of going to bus terminals, he said.

“Many passengers do not have the patience to buy tickets from counters and board buses. They try to get on moving vehicles,” he said, adding that the government discourages such unregulated travel.

He urged passengers not to board rod-laden trucks, open trucks or any vehicle not meant for carrying passengers.

He said highway police were working within a limited capacity to maintain order and safety on roads.

The minister also acknowledged manpower shortages in the highway police, saying in many places only three police personnel are available for 45 kilometres of highway.

Robiul said the 25 percent fare discount for passengers aged above 65 and persons with disabilities on metro rail and intercity trains have been implemented before Eid after completing the required process.

“Metro rail headway had been reduced from six minutes to four and a half minutes. If the number of coaches and trains increases, trains could run every two to two and a half minutes in future,” he added.

The minister also announced that women-only coaches were being introduced on intercity trains under the instruction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“Initially, one coach each on Sonar Bangla Express and Jayantika Express has been reserved only for women from today. The facility will gradually be introduced on every intercity train after Eid,” he said.

On waterways, he urged passengers, launch owners and BIWTA officials to allow launches to leave only after checking weather updates.