Dhaka: Bangladesh Railway has announced that it will commence the sale of advance train tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr, which is the most significant religious festival for Muslims, from March 3 to March 9.
According to United News of Bangladesh, along with regular services, Bangladesh Railway will operate five pairs of special trains to accommodate the increased number of passengers traveling home for the festival. The routes for these special trains include Chattogram-Chandpur-Chattogram, Dhaka-Dewanganj-Dhaka, Bhairab Bazar-Kishoreganj-Bhairab Bazar, Mymensingh-Kishoreganj-Mymensingh, and Joydebpur-Parbatipur-Joydebpur. The return journey tickets will be available from March 13 to March 18, with all ticket sales conducted online.
The decision to enhance train services was made during a preparatory meeting held at Rail Bhaban on February 22. To ensure seamless operations, divisional and zonal monitoring cells will be established for punctuality and passenger safety. Additionally, the weekly off-days for intercity trains will be suspended from March 16 until the day before Eid. As part of the arrangements, extra coaches will be added as required, and relief trains will be on standby for emergencies.
In a bid to manage railway services effectively, goods trains, with the exception of container and fuel trains, will be suspended from March 19 midnight until 6 pm on Eid day. A collaborative effort with law enforcement agencies, including Government Railway Police, RAB, BGB, and local police, will ensure ticketless passengers are checked at rail station entrances.
Passengers are advised to avoid relying on social media links for ticket purchases and to report any fraudulent activities to the authorities.