Dhaka: Ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha, railway authorities have decided to operate five pairs of special trains and three cattle special trains to facilitate smooth travel for holidaymakers. Advance train tickets for Eid journeys will go on sale online from May 13, while return tickets will be available from May 21.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, tickets sold on May 13 will be valid for travel on May 23. Similarly, tickets for journeys on May 24, 25, 26, and 27 will be sold on May 14, 15, 16, and 17, respectively. For return journeys, tickets for May 31 and June 1, 2, 3, and 4 travel dates will be sold on May 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, respectively. Tickets for May 28, 29, and 30 will be sold depending on the sighting of the Eid moon.
The decisions were taken at a preparatory meeting held at Rail Bhaban on May 5, with Railways Ministry Secretary Md Fahimul Islam in the chair. State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid, DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar, Bangladesh Railway Director General Md Afzal Hossain, and senior officials attended the meeting.
Railway authorities stated that all Eid tickets will be sold online. A passenger can purchase tickets only once for advance and return journeys, with a maximum of four tickets per transaction. Advance and return tickets will not be refundable.
The authorities also announced the suspension of weekly off-days for all intercity trains from May 23 until the day before Eid. To ensure safe and smooth Eid travel, authorities will strengthen security at major railway stations, prevent ticket black marketing, stop rooftop travel, and operate mobile courts during the holiday period.