For the first time Bangladesh Railway is going to sell advanced train tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr this year from different stations. Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan today made the announcement on Wednesday when he was briefing media on advanced Eid ticket sale at the Rail Bhaban. Tickets to all trains to the country’s western destinations will be sold from Kamalapur Railway Station while tickets to Chattogram and Noakhali will be sold from Airport Railway Station.
Besides, holidaymakers will have to buy their tickets of Mymensingh and Jamalpur from Tejgaon Station. All tickets for Netrakona-bound Mohonganj and Haor Express will be sold from Banani Station, the minister said. Meanwhile, tickets to Sylhet and Kishoreganj will be sold from OId Rail Bhaban in Fulbaria area.
“The homebound passengers for the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration will be able to procure their advance tickets for the train services between 9 am and 4 pm every day from May 22 and it would continue till May 26,” the minister said.
He said the BR will sell tickets on May 22 for journey on May 31, tickets of June 1 will be sold on May 23, tickets of June 2 on May 24, tickets of June 3 on May 25 and tickets of June 4 on May 26. Passengers can also collect their advance train tickets for return journey between May 29 and June 2. Passengers will be able to procure tickets from May 29 for the journey on June 7, ticket for June 8 on May 30, advance tickets on May 31 for travelling on June 9, tickets for June 10 on June 1 and tickets for June 11 on June 2, the minister added.
This year, 50 per cent tickets will be sold online which was 25 last year, he continued, “One person can buy four tickets at a time. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Railway would operate eight pairs of special trains on different routes on the occasion of the coming Eid-ul-Fitr. Replying to a question, the minister said the government would begin operation of ‘Panchagarh Express’ for transportation of passengers between Dhaka and Panchagarh through a new train service from May 25.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would inaugurate the new train service through a video conference at her official residence Ganobhaban,” he said. Mobile courts will be conducted to prevent black marketing of train tickets, the minister said. During the briefing Railways Secretary M Mofazzel Hossain, additional director general of BR M Shamsuzzaman and officials concerned were present.
“The Bangladesh Railway has taken all-out preparations to prevent black marketing of advance train tickets, Sujan said, adding “The government has improved railway services tremendously as safe, affordable and low-cost transportation.” The ministry has been working sincerely to reach the railway communication system at the people’s doorsteps and planning to further enhance connectivity, he said.