Anai Valley Route Operates 24 Hours During Lebaran Exodus
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has confirmed that the Anai Valley route connecting Padang and Bukittinggi will operate 24 hours daily during the 2026 Lebaran exodus period. “The Padang–Bukittinggi route is one of the main transport corridors for the people of West Sumatra,” he stated in a written statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.
The Public Works Ministry has ensured that the Anai Valley can operate round-the-clock for 10 days before Lebaran and 10 days after Eid al-Fitr, with the aim of ensuring smooth outbound and return traffic during the holiday period.
The Public Works Ministry, through the National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) of West Sumatra, is targeting all national road sections to be in excellent condition and free from potholes—a “zero pothole” initiative—10 days before Lebaran.
Specifically on the Padang–Bukittinghi section, work is focused on strategic points previously affected by disasters, including the Anai Valley area. “We ensure that work on vulnerable points, such as Anai Valley and Sitinjau Lauik, continues to be accelerated so that people can travel safely and comfortably during the exodus,” said Dody.
The Public Works Ministry reported that work on the Anai Valley area has reached approximately 44 per cent progress, with bore pile foundation work at about 78 per cent. Additionally, the Margayasa Twin Bridge will be optimised during the exodus period to support smooth traffic flow along the Padang–Bukittinghi corridor.
On the Sitinjau Lauik route, currently in the flyover construction phase, BPJN West Sumatra is implementing technical modifications through barrier repositioning towards the drainage system. The objective is to optimise traffic space so the route can accommodate vehicle movement during the exodus period.
The Public Works Ministry has also prepared 13 command posts distributed along national road sections throughout West Sumatra. These posts are staffed with personnel on standby 24 hours daily and will operate during the 2026 Lebaran holidays.
Additionally, the Public Works Ministry is providing 40 heavy equipment units to anticipate potential road disruptions on national roads, such as landslides, fallen trees, and other emergency conditions that could impede travellers.