"The community is appealed to leave for the Eid exodus earlier to reduce the potential of congestion and to be more comfortable during the journey," he stated here on Thursday.
The minister noted that a 20-percent cut in fees on several toll roads will be applicable for Eid travelers leaving and returning early.
"This discount is a gift for those who decide to leave early for the exodus. The dates have been set and certain," he remarked.
He pointed out that several toll roads offering the 20-percent discount are the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road operated by state-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga, Cikupa-Merak Toll Road operated by PT Marga Mandalasakti, and Bakauheni-Kayu Agung Toll Road operated by PT Hutama Karya.
The discount is applied during the Eid exodus departure period on April 16-18 and during the return period on April 26-27.
Related news: Check health before joining Eid exodus: deputy minister
The minister remarked that the addition of rest areas at several points and the widening of roads at entry gates to rest areas have also been prepared to provide comfort to the exodus travelers.
"Congestion in rest areas that causes the traffic on toll roads to be disrupted also receives special attention, reflecting last year's conditions. Thus, the solutions are adding rest areas at several points and widening roads at entry gates to rest areas," he explained.
Effendy noted that the number of people joining the 2023 Eid exodus is projected to reach 123 million, an increase from 85 million in 2022.
"What becomes the focus of attention is the number of exodus travelers that is predicted to experience a drastic increase," he stated.
Related news: Eid exodus likely to peak in phases: Jakarta Police
Related news: President instructs all functional toll roads opened for Eid travel
Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
