Peak exodus traffic on Padang-Bukittinggi route expected to peak H-3 to H-1 before Eid

As Eid al-Fitr approaches at H-6, traffic flow on the main Padang-Bukittinggi route in West Sumatra remains smooth, with no significant increase in vehicles from travellers heading home yet visible.

ANTARA observations on Sunday afternoon showed several vehicles bearing typical traveller cargo passing along Lembah Anai Road. Traffic is using a route that was previously subject to alternating closure due to road repairs following a flash flood that occurred in November.

The Ministry of Public Works temporarily halted work on the 5.8-kilometre stretch from H-10 (10 March 2026) to accommodate the exodus. Previously, the road operated under an alternating closure system to accelerate repairs of damage caused by the November flash flood.

Minor congestion was reported in the Aie Angek area, Tanah Datar, stretching 3 kilometres towards Pasar Koto Baru, with traffic in the opposite direction flowing smoothly.

“There has been no surge in vehicles yet—it is not significantly noticeable because we are only at H-6. Usually, families and relatives living away do not return at the same time,” said an official.

Authorities predict the major surge will occur from H-3 to H-1, with additional traffic from H+1 to H+5 as returnees travel around West Sumatra. Despite relatively light traffic conditions, officials are preparing for increased vehicle flow in the coming days through security checkpoints and traffic management measures.

The West Sumatra Provincial Government has announced a one-way system will be implemented on H-2 and H-1, as well as from H+1 to H+3 during Eid al-Fitr.