Thousands of homebound travelers are resorting to unsafe transport options including open trucks and pickups for their Eid journey due to shortage of public transports amid soaring fares.

While the authorities concerned reported no major congestion on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge highway despite increased traffic pressure, safety concerns persist as passengers, including children, women and the elderly are left with no choice but to undertake perilous journeys since Friday night.

At Rangpur Modern Intersection this noon, this correspondent saw a large number of people travelling on open trucks and pickups to reach their destinations in different northern districts including Rangpur, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, and Panchagarh.

A similar scene was witnessed at the same place earlier yesterday afternoon.

Photo: Kongkon Karmaker/ STAR

Abedul Islam, a Rangpur-bound garment worker traveling said, "I had to board a truck at night as the bus fares are too high. If I can reach home safely, that's all that matters."

Echoing him, Rafiqul Islam of Gangachhara upazila of Rangpur said. "There is a transport crisis, and fares have doubled. Many people, like me, are taking open trucks and pickups despite the risks."

"Bus fares are unaffordable, and overcrowding prevents us from boarding. Truck fares are comparatively lower, so I had no other choice," said Lily Akter, who is heading to Panchagarh.

Meanwhile, law enforcers have ramped up efforts to manage the heavy traffic and enhance safety measures to ensure a hassle-free Eid journey.

According to Tangail police, around 750 police personnel have been deployed at key points along the highway in Tangail and Sirajganj. Besides, law enforcement members have also been deployed on other parts of the highway to Rangpur and Dinajpur.

However, pressure of vehicles on Rangpur-Dinajpur and Rangpur-Panchagarh routes is lesser.