Dhaka: Women passengers will have access to dedicated coaches on every intercity train in Bangladesh on a phased basis following Eid-ul-Azha, Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced Monday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister made this announcement after inaugurating a 25 percent fare discount programme for elderly and physically disabled passengers at the Farmgate Metro Rail Station. He stated that the initiative, initially launched on the Sonar Bangla Express and Joyantika Express, would gradually extend to all intercity trains nationwide.
“A dedicated coach exclusively for female passengers has been reserved on these two trains from today. After Eid, we plan to roll out this facility across all intercity trains in phases,” he said. The minister emphasized that this move is in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive to ensure safe and comfortable travel for women, and the arrangement is intended to become a permanent fixture.
Rabiul highlighted that the current government is committed to making the public transport system more humane, inclusive, and people-friendly, with ongoing efforts to introduce new measures for social security and civic convenience.
The Dhaka Metro Rail authority announced that passengers aged 65 and above, along with persons with disabilities, will receive a 25 percent discount on single-journey tickets. Elderly riders can avail of this discount by presenting their National Identity Card, while disabled passengers can use the ‘Subarna’ identity card issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Bangladesh Railway further explained that elderly passengers could purchase discounted tickets both online and at counters, with age verification conducted through NID data for online purchases. Standard service charges, VAT, and other applicable fees will remain in effect. Meanwhile, the existing 50 percent fare concession for persons with disabilities on Sulav and Shovon classes of intercity trains will continue, alongside a new 25 percent discount across all air-conditioned classes.
Officials believe these initiatives will significantly enhance the inclusivity and passenger-friendliness of the country’s public transport system.