Dhaka: Bangladesh Railway (BR) has undertaken measures to maintain train schedules and ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers returning to Dhaka after celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr in their hometowns.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BR Director General Md Afzal Hossain stated that the railway has successfully ensured the safety and security of passengers traveling to their homes before Eid. Now, steps have been taken to facilitate their return to the capital. BR has prepared intercity and special trains with additional coaches to provide better service to Dhaka-bound passengers following the holiday.
Hossain emphasized that while BR ensured safe and smooth services for those traveling home for Eid, the current priority is to maintain safety and timeliness for passengers returning to Dhaka. Trains are a preferred mode of transport for many traveling during the Eid festival due to factors such as passenger services, online ticketing, security, and time-saving benefits.
He mentioned that approximately 45,000-50,000 people traveled from Dhaka to their destinations by train for Eid and are now returning as public and private offices are set to reopen on Sunday (April 6) following a nine-day Eid vacation. Although BR has a seating capacity of 36,000, authorities issued an additional 25 percent of standing tickets to manage the high demand during the holiday period.
Additional Deputy Inspector General of Railway Police Tamanna Yeasmin reported that there were no untoward incidents during the Eid journey due to special security arrangements. Adequate measures have also been implemented to ensure the safe return of Dhaka-bound passengers.
According to railway sources, additional forces, including police, RAB, APBn, Ansar, and fire service personnel, are stationed at all railway stations to uphold law and order. BR authorities have also increased monitoring at railway stations with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and a three-level security system at Kamalapur station.
To ensure a safe journey before Eid, passengers were required to present valid tickets to enter platforms, and security personnel effectively managed the crowds. During the Eid period, BR operated 120 intercity trains and five pairs of special trains, along with local, commuter, and mail trains to accommodate passenger needs.