Dhaka, Mar 22 (V7N)- With more than a week left until Eid-ul-Fitr, people in Dhaka have already started their journey home to celebrate with their families. Although transport hubs are not yet overcrowded, many have opted to send their wives and children early to avoid the last-minute rush. The city is gradually witnessing an increase in outbound travelers as the holiday spirit sets in.

Advance ticket sales for rail, road, and waterways concluded on Thursday, and those who secured tickets will begin their journeys from Monday. Transport officials expect passenger pressure to be lower this year due to an extended holiday period. However, they note that the final situation will largely depend on when garment factories, which employ millions in Dhaka, declare their Eid holidays.

One of the main reasons for early departures is the closure of many educational institutions. With schools and colleges on holiday, parents are taking the opportunity to send their children home ahead of time. Additionally, many families prefer traveling before the peak rush to avoid overcrowding and last-minute complications. The extended holiday period this year has also influenced travel patterns, as people have more flexibility in choosing when to leave.

The transport situation at major terminals remains relatively calm for now, but authorities expect a significant increase in passengers from March 27 to 29. Kamalapur Railway Station, a key hub for travelers, will see the biggest rush when ticket holders begin their journeys. Similarly, bus terminals such as Sayedabad, which serves passengers from four divisions, are currently operating smoothly but are likely to experience heavy pressure in the coming days.

While highways remain mostly clear for now, transport workers predict a surge in travelers as Eid draws closer. Many people working in offices are waiting for the final announcement of garment factory holidays before finalizing their travel plans. If factories close earlier than expected, transport hubs could become overcrowded sooner than anticipated.

Despite these uncertainties, the extended holiday provides a rare opportunity for people to travel more comfortably. However, whether this year’s Eid journey will be smooth or chaotic remains to be seen, depending on how the situation unfolds in the coming days.

END/MSS/AJ