The government is planning separate coaches for women in intercity trains. Road Transport, Shipping and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said that there is a plan to provide coaches in every intercity train after Eid-ul-Azha.
He announced this plan at the inauguration of a 25 percent discount card for the people over 65 years of age, the disabled and those with special needs in the Metro Rail on Monday.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam said, "The Prime Minister called me at around 12:30 last night and asked me to take measures to reserve one coach for women in trains during the Eid journey. I spoke to the railway secretary that night. As soon as I received the Prime Minister's instructions, the matter was implemented today. From today, women will be able to travel separately in two coaches in Chattogram and Sylhet. Besides, steps will be taken to ensure that one coach is reserved for women in all intercity trains after Eid."
He said that the government also plans to provide Metro Rail cards to senior citizens and the disabled, as well as students. Students will also be given a 25 percent discount on intercity trains.
Then, in response to a question from journalists about the Eid journey, Rabiul Alam said, “More than 15 million people will leave Dhaka in two days. But many passengers try to get on the highway instead of buying tickets at the bus counter. We are encouraging people to use regular transport. But many are getting on small pickups, trucks or open vehicles. This is risky. There are not enough fitness vehicles. However, the movement of unfit vehicles will be stopped in phases.”
Regarding the accident in which a truck loaded with rods overturned, the minister said, “Initially it seems that it happened due to the driver’s losing control. Some of the injured passengers also warned the driver. 25-26 passengers got on the truck loaded with rods. Such open goods vehicles are not for passenger transport, and they should be aware of it.”
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
