‘Govt to take steps to ensure smooth Eid travel’

City Desk :

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday said the government has taken 26 decisions to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel for homebound passengers during the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

He said coordinated initiatives in road, rail and waterways, along with strict monitoring by all relevant agencies, would make this year’s Eid journey more comfortable and pleasant than ever before.

The minister made the remarks at a press conference held at the conference room of the shipping ministry in the secretariat on overall management and security arrangements for Eid travel by road, rail and waterways.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam said new effective measures have been added this year based on the experience of last year’s successful Eid travel management, reports BSS.

“Based on recommendations from all stakeholders, we have taken 26 decisions. Special monitoring arrangements will remain in force from five days before Eid-ul-Fitr to five days after Eid,” he said. He added that passenger harassment or any form of misconduct, particularly at Sadarghat terminal, would not be tolerated.

Mentioning steps to ease traffic congestion on roads leading to Sadarghat, the minister said city corporations and traffic police would remain on special duty. Illegal parking and roadside encroachments will be removed, he said. To prevent unregulated speedboat movement and random parking of vessels on waterways, the Coast Guard and river police will maintain round-the-clock vigilance, he added.

Issuing a stern warning against overcharging of fares, the minister said no additional fare would be allowed during Eid travel. Mobile courts will remain active in the field at all times, and transport owners and workers have pledged not to increase fares, he said.

Regarding traffic management and holidays in the readymade garment sector, he said factories without urgent export orders have been requested to grant leave to workers in advance to avoid excessive pressure on roads at the same time.

Responding to a question about extortion in the transport sector, the minister said a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against illegal toll collection. Strict action will be taken immediately upon receiving specific allegations, he said.

“We want to ensure safety on roads and waterways. Accountability will be ensured wherever there is any deviation from rules. This is our government’s firm commitment,” the minister said.