Dhaka:Bangladesh Railway has announced that three pairs of special trains will operate during the upcoming Durga Puja holidays to facilitate safe travel for homebound passengers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the special trains include Dhaka Special-3 on the Chattogram-Dhaka route on October 20, and Tourist Special-1 and 2 on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar-Dhaka route on October 20, 23, and 24. Additionally, Chattogram Special-4 will run on the Dhaka-Chattogram route on October 24.
To accommodate increased passenger demand, the off-days for several trains have been canceled. These include the Cox's Bazar Express on October 19 and 20, Jahanabad Express and Rupsha Express on October 19, Padma Express on October 20, and Madhumati Express on October 24.
During a preparatory meeting, it was decided to add 23 meter-gauge coaches to the Eastern Zone and 6 broad-gauge coaches to the Western Zone. Measures will be taken to ensure punctuality and safety, with officials supervising operations at key junctions and patrols ensuring track safety.
Security measures are being intensified with round-the-clock searches at major stations, supported by the Government Railway Police and the Special Response Battalion. Magistrates will be on duty at Dhaka Railway Station and Airport Railway Station on October 19 and 20 to enhance surveillance and prevent any sabotage activities.
The meeting was chaired by Railway, Road Transport and Bridges, and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, with participation from various state ministers, police commissioners, and transport leaders.