Steps taken to ensure safe journey of Dhaka-bound passengers: BR director general
As around 45,000-50,000 people went to their destinations from Dhaka by train to enjoy the Eid, they have started returning to the capital as the public and private offices will open on Sunday (April 6) after a long nine-day Eid vacation
The Bangladesh Railway (BR) has taken measures to maintain the train schedule to ensure a safe and comfortable journey of Dhaka-bound passengers who have already started returning to the capital after enjoying Eid-ul-Fitr in their village homes.
As the BR had successfully maintained safety and security of home-bound people ahead of Eid, it has already taken steps to ensure their return journey to the capital, BR Director General Md Afzal Hossain said, adding, "BR has prepared intercity and special trains with additional coaches aimed at providing better service to Dhaka-bound passengers after Eid".
"We ensured safe and smooth services for home-bound passengers ahead of Eid, and now the BR's priority is to ensure safe and timely service for Dhaka-bound passengers," he told BSS.
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"Trains are always the top choice of people who travel to and from Dhaka on the occasion of Eid festival due to various factors, including passenger services, online ticketing, security and time-saving benefits," he added.
As around 45,000-50,000 people went to their destinations from Dhaka by train to enjoy the Eid, they have started returning to the capital as the public and private offices will open on Sunday (April 6) after a long nine-day Eid vacation, said the BR DG.
Although the BR has a 36,000-seat capacity but authorities added an additional 25% of standing tickets for Eid to mitigate huge pressure during the short time, he said.
He, however, said the BR is committed to ensuring smooth service of passengers returning to the capital.
Talking to BSS, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Railway Police Tamanna Yeasmin said that there were no reports of any untoward incident during the Eid journey, as special security arrangements were put in place.
"We've also taken adequate measures to ensure a safe journey for Dhaka-bound passengers, she said.
According to railway sources, additional forces, including police, RAB, APBn, Ansar and fire service personnel, are on duty at all railway stations to maintain law and order.
Besides, BR authorities beefed up monitoring at railway stations through CCTV cameras around the clock. There is a three-level security system at Kamalapur station.
To ensure a safe journey ahead of Eid, passengers were not allowed to enter the platforms without valid tickets, and security personnel actively managed the crowds.
On the occasion of Eid, BR operated 120 intercity trains, along with five pairs of special trains. There were also local, commuter and mail trains to provide service to passengers.
