Ahead of the Eid travel rush, adequate fuel supply for public transport will be ensured from next Sunday (March 15). Fuel prices will not be increased. Therefore, there is no risk of a fare hike in public transport due to fuel shortages, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Friday (March 13).
Speaking during a visit to Kamalapur Railway Station on the first day of Eid travel, the minister said these measures have been taken to ensure smooth journeys. He added that the Minister of Energy has assured him of uninterrupted fuel supply, leaving no scope for transport shortages during the Eid period.
The minister also said the Prime Minister has instructed that railway services be made modern and user-friendly, so that people can travel long distances comfortably in a shorter time. To achieve this, the government is working on comprehensive improvements in the railway system.
Regarding the challenges of Eid travel, he noted that within just two to three days, around 1.25 crore to 1.5 crore people leave Dhaka—a phenomenon seen in very few cities worldwide. While transporting such a large number of people in such a short period is a major challenge, the government is making maximum efforts to manage it.
He added that plans are underway to increase the country’s transport capacity by adding new coaches, buses, and vessels. At the same time, efforts are being made to bring order to the bus system.
On the train schedule for Eid travel, the minister said that at least 85 to 87 locomotives are needed to avoid major schedule disruptions. Currently, 78 locomotives have been deployed, and with a few more to be added in the next two days, the situation is expected to normalise further.