Anticipating a significant seasonal migration, the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) predicts that approximately 15 million individuals from Dhaka, encompassing Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Gazipur, and Narayanganj city corporation areas, will embark on journeys for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festivities.
A staggering 60% of these travelers, roughly nine million people, are projected to choose road travel, with the remainder opting for waterways and railways.
Released through a press statement on Monday, NCPSRR’s forecast sheds light on the immense movement and its implications on transportation and safety protocols.
Acknowledging potential data inaccuracies, NCPSRR’s general secretary, Ashis Kumar Dey, affirmed that the report amalgamated information from diverse sources, including research data, civic groups, and transport sector entities.
Expressing concerns over potential public discomfort and road accidents akin to previous years, the committee commended the government’s endeavors to facilitate smoother Eid travel.
Based on the latest census data, the report delineates population distribution within the Dhaka division, highlighting Gazipur’s role as the home to approximately 75% of the country’s garment factories. The workers, predominantly residing in Gazipur, significantly contribute to the mass exodus during Eid.
Furthermore, substantial populations in Narayanganj and neighboring districts amplify the influx of travelers heading back to their hometowns for the festive occasion.
Enumerating challenges faced by travelers, including the road transport sector’s inadequate capacity to manage the influx, the report underscores issues such as poor road conditions, over 500 precarious turning points nationwide, and manual toll collection exacerbating traffic congestion.
Despite these obstacles, the NCPSRR remains hopeful that the government’s measures can alleviate some of the public’s travel woes during this peak period. The focus now centers on effective implementation to enhance the Eid travel experience for millions.
