Dhaka: The government has implemented enhanced monitoring and safety measures to ensure smooth and safe travel on highways during the Eid holiday period, amid increased traffic volumes. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, responding to a question from BNP lawmaker Md. Abul Kalam in the Jatiya Sangsad, emphasized the importance of coordinated and technology-driven monitoring to address the surge in traffic and prevent accidents involving unfit vehicles.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a central control room has been established at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) headquarters. This facility brings together various agencies, including the BRTA, Roads and Highways Department (RHD), Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), and others, to conduct continuous monitoring of key traffic areas using CCTV and television feeds. This coordinated effort ensures prompt responses to congestion and accidents, with local district administrations and police engaged to manage traffic flow and provide immediate assistance in case of accidents.
Minister Rabiul Alam stated that the 24-hour monitoring and supervision remain in effect throughout the Eid period. District-level road safety meetings are held regularly, and mobile courts are actively enforcing traffic regulations. Long-term initiatives by the Roads and Highways Department aim to create a safer highway network through projects such as upgrading roads to four lanes, constructing service lanes, and building overpasses and underpasses at busy intersections.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted ongoing road safety audits and improvements to road design standards. A pilot project on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), supported by the Korean government through KOICA, is being tested to monitor vehicle movements in real-time. Additionally, a $360 million Bangladesh Road Safety Program, in collaboration with the World Bank, is underway to enhance road safety infrastructure, including data centers, driver training institutes, and post-crash response mechanisms.
The government's efforts also focus on protecting vulnerable road users, particularly in areas near schools and industrial zones. Plans are in place to install foot overbridges, raised pedestrian crossings, and conduct awareness campaigns aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Identified accident-prone areas are being addressed based on data from highway police and studies.
The minister also announced a project to establish rest areas for drivers along major highways to mitigate fatigue-related accidents and the installation of axle load control centers to prevent vehicle overloading. These comprehensive measures aim to ensure a safe and efficient highway transport system for all citizens.