Dhaka:Bangladesh Railway announced that three pairs of special trains will operate during the Durga Puja holidays to facilitate travel for passengers returning home.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the railway authorities have also canceled the off-days for five trains on specific dates to meet the high passenger demand. The Dhaka Special-3 train will run on the Chattogram-Dhaka route on October 20, while Tourist Special-1 and 2 will operate on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar-Dhaka route on October 20, 23, and 24. Additionally, Chattogram Special-4 will be available on the Dhaka-Chattogram route on October 24.
The off-days for the Cox's Bazar Express train in the Eastern Zone on October 19 and 20 have been withdrawn. Similarly, in the Western Zone, off-days for Jahanabad Express and Rupsha Express on October 19, Padma Express on October 20, and Madhumati Express on October 24 have been canceled.
Preparations for the increased demand include adding 23 meter-gauge coaches in the Eastern Zone and 6 broad-gauge coaches in the Western Zone. Trains will be closely monitored at key stations to prevent schedule disruptions, with patrols ensuring track and bridge safety. Maintenance of signaling systems, coaches, and engines will be intensified, with relief trains on standby for emergencies.
Security at major stations such as Dhaka, Dhaka Airport, Joydebpur, and others will be heightened with searches conducted by the Government Railway Police and the Special Response Battalion. Magistrates will oversee operations at Dhaka Railway Station and Airport Railway Station on October 19 and 20. Surveillance has been enhanced to prevent any sabotage on trains, at stations, or along railway lines.
The meeting, chaired by Railway, Road Transport and Bridges, and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, included participation from various state ministers, secretaries, police commissioners, and transport leaders.