Bangladesh Railway has started selling advance train tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of Muslims, from Tuesday, aiming to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for homebound passengers.
The advance tickets will be available online from March 3 to March 9, while return journey tickets will be sold from March 13 to March 18.
All tickets are being sold exclusively through the online platform.
Besides, the railway authorities will operate five pairs of special trains on different routes to handle the expected surge of passengers during the Eid rush.
The special trains will run on Chattogram–Chandpur–Chattogram, Dhaka–Dewanganj–Dhaka, Bhairab Bazar–Kishoreganj–Bhairab Bazar, Mymensingh–Kishoreganj–Mymensingh and Joydebpur–Parbatipur–Joydebpur routes.
The decision was taken at a preparatory meeting held on February 22 at Rail Bhaban to review overall arrangements for the upcoming festival.
To facilitate uninterrupted services, weekly off-days of intercity trains will remain suspended from March 16 until the day before Eid.
Divisional and zonal monitoring cells will be formed to ensure punctuality and passenger safety, while additional coaches will be attached to trains based on demand. Relief trains will also remain ready to tackle any emergency situation.
Meanwhile, goods trains, except container and fuel-carrying trains, will remain suspended from midnight of March 19 to 6 pm on Eid day.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Government Railway Police (GRP), RAB, BGB and local police, will remain vigilant at railway stations to prevent ticketless travel and maintain discipline.
Passengers have been requested not to rely on social media links for purchasing tickets and to report any fraudulent sources to the authorities.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
