Extra coaches, special trains added to ease Eid rail rush

Passenger pressure on Bangladesh Railway is expected to increase from tomorrow (16 March) as the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays begin for government and private offices. Railway authorities say they have completed preparations to handle the surge, including adding extra coaches and introducing special train services.

According to officials, 46 additional coaches will be attached to trains on busy routes based on passenger demand. In addition, five pairs of special trains will operate on selected routes across the country from today until 28 March to facilitate the Eid journey.

Abu Bakar Siddique, manager of Chattogram Railway Station, told The Business Standard that they have been selling tickets for different routes since 3 March.

"Now all train tickets are sold online. Only standing tickets are sold two hours before the train departs," he said.

"The main Eid journey will begin from today. We have completed all preparations. As in previous years, passengers will not be allowed to travel on train roofs," Bakar added.

Officials expect a significant rise in the number of rail passengers this year due to volatility in the fuel market linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has put pressure on road transport costs. As a result, many travellers who usually rely on buses may opt for trains instead.

To address the anticipated demand, Bangladesh Railway has decided to add extra coaches to trains on major routes. The authorities are also preparing to introduce new coaches imported from South Korea on several high-demand services to improve passenger comfort during the Eid travel period.

Railway sources said 122 coaches have recently been repaired at the Pahartali Railway Workshop in Chattogram. Many of these coaches had previously been out of service or required major maintenance.

The Dhaka-Chattogram route will receive the largest number of additional coaches. Extra coaches will be attached to popular intercity trains, including Subarna Express, Sonar Bangla Express, Turna Express, Mahanagar Godhuli Express, and Mahanagar Express.

Additional coaches will also be added to Paharika Express and Udayan Express on the Chattogram-Sylhet route, Bijoy Express on the Chattogram-Mymensingh route, Meghna Express on the Chattogram-Chandpur route, and Parjotak Express and Cox's Bazar Express operating on the Dhaka-Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route.

Md Shahidul Islam, joint director (operations) of Bangladesh Railway, told TBS that passenger pressure is expected to build from today afternoon, the last working day before the Eid holidays. He assured that all necessary security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth Eid journey.

However, the shortage of engines remains a challenge. While around 300 locomotives are needed to keep all the trains running, Bangladesh Railway currently has about 200 engines operational.

Shahidul said several engines are undergoing repair and refurbishment, adding that train operations are unlikely to face disruption if those locomotives return to service on time.