Desk Report:
A 25 percent concession on fares for senior citizens and physically disabled passengers on metro and train was inaugurated at the capital’s Farmgate Metrorail Station today (May 25, 2026). Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Sheikh Rabiul Alam MP was present as the chief guest at the event. Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Md. Fahimul Islam and Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque along with senior officials concerned were present at the event.
At the event, the minister said that the current government is working to make the public transport system humane, inclusive and people-friendly. This special fare concession program has been launched to make the travel of senior citizens and disabled people easy and dignified. He said that the current government is continuously taking new initiatives to ensure social security and citizen benefits.
At the same time, the Minister of Roads and Bridges also said that on the instructions of Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, an initiative has been taken to introduce separate coaches in intercity trains to ensure safe and comfortable travel of women passengers in view of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Azha. Initially, one coach each in Sonar Bangla Express and Jayantika Express trains has been reserved for women passengers only from today. He also said that there is a plan to introduce this facility in every intercity train of the country in phases after Eid.
The Metrorail Authority has said that senior citizens aged 65 and above and people with disabilities or special needs will get a 25 percent fare discount on single journey tickets in Dhaka Metrorail. In the case of senior citizens, this facility can be availed by showing their national identity card and in the case of disabled persons, by showing their ‘Suvarna’ identity card under the Ministry of Social Welfare.
On the other hand, Bangladesh Railway has said that senior passengers can collect tickets at a 25% discount both online and over the counter. Age will be verified based on the information in the national identity card while buying tickets online. However, other charges including service charge and VAT will remain applicable as per the existing rules.
The existing 50 percent fare concession in the affordable and luxury classes of intercity trains for disabled passengers will remain in effect. In addition, a new 25 percent concession has been implemented in all air-conditioned classes. Those concerned believe that this initiative will make the country’s public transport system more inclusive and passenger-friendly.
