Bangladesh mulls to resume train services
The railways ministry of Bangladesh has started preparation to reopen the railway communication after 5 May.
The authorities are planning to resume the operation of freight train services first. The train services even could be opened within a day or two.
The passenger trains would be reopened later in a limited scale.
A meeting presided by director general Md Shamsuzzaman was held in Railway Bhaban on Monday over resuming operation of the railways.
Railways minister Nurul Islam Sujan has called another meeting on Thursday which is likely to discuss about reopening of the railways.
The government on 24 March suspended all the passenger train services throughout the country in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Some freight train services, however, remained operational amid lockdown to carry the government’s food products and fuel.
Resume of the cargo trains will enable transportation of vegetables and fruits.
The authorities mull joining parcel vans and transform that into a single goods train.
As per the plan, four such cargo trains might operate to North Bengal, greater Mymensingh area and Chattogram.
Railways minister Nurul Islam Sujan told Prothom Alo that they have the preparation to resume operation once the government lifts the lockdown.
He said the meeting on Thursday will discuss how to ensure health safety of the passengers after the reopening, among other issues.
He said the meeting on Thursday will discuss how to ensure health safety of the passengers after the reopening, among other issues.
The ministry sources said the authorities at Monday's meeting discussed what safety measures can be taken after resuming the operations.
Some officials proposed to reopen the railway transportation in two phases even if the government lifts the lockdown after 5 May.
Some officials propose the railway completely reopens within 15 May.
The meeting also discussed not selling all the tickets of intercity railways at the beginning so that social distancing can be maintained.
The meeting directed the mechanical department director Mizanur Rahman to find out the ways to ensure social distancing.
The authorities also planned to sell all tickets online of the trains that already sell online tickets, to avoid gathering at ticket counters.
The meeting also discussed using hand sanitizers in all trains.
Bangladesh Railway’s director general Md Shamsuzzaman told Prothom Alo that the government high-ups would decide on the resumption of train operation.
But the railway authorities have taken all preparation so that they can resume operation soon.
The authorities are also planning to enforce health guidelines for the safety of passengers once the services have been resumed, he added.