Desk Report:
Despite the increased pressure of homebound passengers on trains on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Road, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said that there is no fear of major schedule disruption. He said that the railway is being operated with utmost caution during the Eid journey using old railway lines and locomotives.
He said these things while talking to reporters while visiting Dhaka Railway Station in Kamalapur on Sunday (May 24, 2026).
The minister said that the demand for train travel is very high during the Eid season. Trains have a special importance for passengers traveling outside Dhaka. However, the number and capacity of trains are still not sufficient compared to the demand. During normal times, about 32,000 passengers are transported daily by intercity trains from Dhaka. Arrangements have now been made to transport about 40,000 passengers by offering an additional 25 percent discount on tickets on the occasion of Eid. However, there is a demand for train travel of about one lakh passengers during Eid.
He further said that routes and places where there is a risk of accidents or derailments have been identified in advance and special measures have been taken.
Highlighting the improvement in railway services, the minister claimed that the online ticketing system is now in operation, so the black market in tickets has been largely controlled and the quality of service has improved compared to before.
He also said that 51 new coaches have been added to various routes to ensure smooth Eid journey. Currently, 82 to 83 meter gauge locomotives are operational. If a few more are added soon, it will be possible to keep 85 to 86 locomotives operational during the Eid journey, which will further reduce the risk of schedule disruption and passengers will be able to reach their destinations comfortably.
Habibur Rashid, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Md. Fahimul Islam, Md. Afzal Hossain and senior officials of the Ministry of Railways and Bangladesh Railways were present during the inspection.
