Eid travel from Dhaka remained relatively smooth even two days before the holiday, with bus terminals showing lighter passenger pressure compared to previous years, while rail services witnessed heavy crowding and congestion.
At several bus terminals in the capital, transport workers were seen calling out for passengers as crowds remained thin. At Sadarghat launch terminal, passenger movement was moderate, but Kamalapur Railway Station experienced the opposite trend, with significant overcrowding throughout the day.
Transport operators said the overall travel pressure has eased as many people began leaving Dhaka earlier this year to avoid last-minute travel hassles.
They added that Eid journeys effectively started from Thursday, and with government holidays beginning Monday, many workers had already sent their family members home in advance. Students also left early, reducing last-minute rush at ticket counters.
However, transport workers expect passenger numbers to rise again after garment factories shut down on Tuesday.
Lower pressure at bus terminals
At Sayedabad’s Golapbag terminal, bus workers were seen actively calling passengers to fill seats. Passengers said they had rarely seen such low pressure during Eid travel periods.
Bus worker and passenger accounts indicated that while passenger demand is lower, some operators are still attempting to collect slightly higher fares than regular rates, though reports of overcharging remain limited compared to previous years.
At Gabtoli bus terminal, passengers waiting at platforms complained that buses were delaying departure until enough passengers were gathered. Operators, however, said advance ticket bookings had already covered most seats.
Transport workes also pointed to traffic congestion in the Tongi and Gazipur areas as a reason for delayed schedules.
Despite the lower rush, several bus companies reported that tickets for the next two days have already been sold out.
Train services under heavy pressure
In contrast, Kamalapur Railway Station saw heavy passenger pressure from morning, with 10 intercity and 6 commuter trains departing by noon. Many passengers were unable to board scheduled trains due to overcrowding, while others struggled to secure seats even after boarding.
Standing-ticket holders and passengers without tickets were also seen attempting to board trains amid the rush.
To manage the pressure, Bangladesh Railway has launched five pairs of special trains and added 51 extra coaches to existing services. However, delays in several trains added to passenger suffering.
Trains including the Dhumketu Express, Nil Sagar Express, Rangpur Express, and Titas Commuter departed 30 minutes to over an hour late.
Passengers complained about persistent delays on northern routes, saying train schedules are rarely maintained during Eid travel periods.
Railway officials deployed K-9 units and dog squads at Kamalapur station to ensure security, while also strengthening monitoring to prevent passengers from travelling on train roofs.
Station authorities said delays were caused in part by reduced train speeds due to safety concerns along railway tracks, where crops are often dried near the lines, as well as operational congestion.
Gradual rise at Sadarghat
Meanwhile, passenger pressure at Sadarghat launch terminal is gradually increasing, particularly on routes to Chandpur, Char Fasson, Patuakhali, and Bhola.
Passengers reported comparatively less congestion and fewer hawkers than in previous years, though many expect a surge in the afternoon and evening.
Launch operators said significant pressure is likely to build after garment factories close on Tuesday.
By 6pm Monday, 33 launches had departed from Sadarghat. Some departures were delayed due to adverse weather conditions, prompting authorities to issue precautionary safety instructions to launch owners.
