Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said no major traffic congestion has so far been reported as the people are traveling home for Eid, expressing hope that this year’s Eid journey will be comfortable for holidaymakers.

The minister made the remarks while talking to the journalists after inaugurating the Goma Bridge under Bakerganj upazila here today at noon.

State Minister for Railways and Road Transport Habibur Rashid, local MP Abul Hossain Khan and senior officials from the local administration were present at the inauguration ceremony.

The minister said around 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within two to three days ahead of Eid, making it a major logistical challenge to ensure smooth travel.

“Under the prime minister’s directives, we have taken necessary preparations so that the passengers can travel comfortably and reach to their families without difficulties,” he said.

He added that authorities are closely monitoring 207 potential congestion points on the highways as well as major bridges.

“So far, no serious traffic jam has been reported, which is good news. Although traffic is moving slowly in some areas, vehicles are still passing through. We hope the Eid journey will remain comfortable and safe, allowing people to return home with joy,” he said.

Speaking about the newly inaugurated bridge, the minister said that the 283-meter-long Goma Bridge would play a transformative role in improving connectivity and development in the region.

He said the present government, elected by the people, is committed to develop the infrastructure of the country that is essential for national prosperity and economic growth.

The minister also said that about 7,500 kilometers of waterways are being kept navigable through regular dredging, while dredging work is currently underway on 1,200 kilometers of river routes. There are plans to excavate an additional 4,500 kilometers of waterways in the future. Preparations are also being made to ensure uninterrupted vessel movement from Dhaka Sadarghat to Barishal river port.

Construction of the Goma Bridge over the Rangamatiya River under Bakerganj began in 2018 but faced delays due to several obstacles, including a dispute over the bridge’s height raised by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

The long-awaited bridge, built at a cost of Taka 750 million, was finally opened to traffic on today.

Vehicles began crossing the bridge immediately after the inauguration. Despite observing fasting during Ramadan, hundreds of residents gathered to see the bridge. Local people expressed gratitude to the government for opening the bridge ahead of Eid.