Passengers stranded, frustrated amid railway staff strike

Railway passengers faced significant suffering on Tuesday (28 January) as train services were suspended nationwide due to an indefinite strike by Bangladesh Railway's running staff.

Passengers who had booked tickets in advance and were unaware of the strike gathered at the stations across the country from early morning, with many returning after waiting for hours.

Many with urgent travel needs turned to buses, causing a surge in demand that led to bus fares more than doubling on key routes.

Although authorities arranged BRTC bus services on some key routes as alternatives, chaos and confusion unfolded at stations as many complained about lack of information and coordination.

Passengers traveling from Dhaka Railway Station and Airport Railway Station to Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna, Cumilla, Bogura, and Mymensingh can use the BRTC bus service with their purchased train tickets. Similarly, passengers from these locations can travel to Dhaka using the same service.

The bus service will continue until further notice, reads a press release of the railway ministry.

Confusion at Kamalapur

Md Ibrahim, a Sylhet-bound passenger, faced frustration when he learned his scheduled bus had already left. "I arrived at 2:30pm, but the bus left early."

Khurshid Akhtar, who had a ticket for the Nilphamari, was unaware of the strike until after leaving work. "I thought BRTC buses were an option, but now they're not running on time."

Nasiruddin, an Ansar member, explained that BRTC buses were operating for ticket-holders but only when enough passengers were gathered for a route. "So far, we've sent buses to Rangpur, Sylhet, and other districts," he added.

Kamalapur Station Assistant Saidul Islam said around 50,000 people travel by train daily, with 38 pairs of trains serving various destinations. However, with 300-350 railway employees on strike, services remain severely impacted.

Meanwhile, a BRTC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said buses were being provided as needed, with 29 buses having already departed for various destinations till around 6pm. 

He added that there was no significant passenger pressure. "The majority of passengers at the stations did not wish to travel by bus, and only those with urgent needs were boarding." 

The BRTC faced logistical challenges with the bus service, the official mentioned. Aside from low passenger numbers, they had to cover bridge tolls and bear additional fuel costs for the buses. 

"There are also concerns about how the buses will return to their starting points. If they come back empty, the losses will multiply. He noted that due to a last-minute decision, these unforeseen issues arose," he added.

Tourist buses in Ctg

In Chattogram, some passengers were seen riding on BRTC's open-top tourist buses. 

BRTC is running extra buses in line with the train schedule, with 20 additional buses deployed from Chattogram to 35 districts. 

City buses and even school buses are being considered for short-distance routes, depending on demand.  

Passengers at Chattogram Railway Station are returning tickets, with 3,634 tickets refunded for 11 canceled trains. 

In Cox's Bazar, bus companies have increased services, with Green Line adding more buses due to rising passenger numbers. Shyamoli Paribahan also added three extra buses to meet demand. Authorities have urged bus companies to avoid fare hikes amid increased passenger pressure.

Bus fare hike

Liton, a ticket salesperson at Desh Travels' Rajshahi counter, noted that buses, once relatively empty, are now packed. However, passengers are complaining about increased fares, particularly on long-distance routes. 

"I was charged Tk550 instead of Tk450," said Idris, a Dhaka-bound passenger.  

Travelers from Khulna to Naogaon also faced severe hardships. Labourers at Sonadanga bus terminal were unable to secure tickets, and standing-room-only buses had fares ranging from Tk1,200 to Tk1,500, up from the usual Tk500. 

"We've been waiting since morning, but we can't afford these fares," said Santanu, a labourer. "If the trains don't resume, we'll take the bus later."

Anger boils in Rajshahi

Passengers at the Rajshahi Station became agitated upon arriving at the station and discovering that services had been suspended. The anger soon boiled over as no trains left the station. 

Acting Station Master Shaheedul Alam told The Business Standard that passengers vandalised chairs and tables in the station, with some detaining and assaulting two staff members.

Several hundred passengers protested from 7am to 8am, damaging property, including chairs and tables in a ticket inspector's room. Other office doors were locked during the incident.

The situation calmed down after army personnel arrived, and refunds were issued, railway staff said.