Trains to run with 50pc passengers from Saturday

The trains will be operated with half of their passenger capacity due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases, said additional director general (operations) of Bangladesh Railways Sardar Shahadat Ali on Tuesday.

However, the number of trains will not be curtailed as was done previously, he added.

The decision was taken at a meeting of railway high officials with railways minister Md Nurul Islam at the Railway Bhaban in the capital.

Sardar Shahadat Ali further said despite the decision to operate trains with half passenger capacity, train fares will not be increased.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, he said, “Importance will be given on maintaining health guidelines at all levels including inside the trains and at railway stations. No person will be allowed enter the station without a mask. Health guidelines will be maintained in serving food and providing beds at night.”

Railway sources said half of the tickets will be sold online and the other half will be sold at the counter.

Operations of train were suspended when coronavirus infection began in the country in 2020. Later, the operations resumed in July with half capacity. A few intercity trains operated at the time. As a result, the pressure of passengers rose and that is why the authorities have decided to run all the trains.

Currently, there are 355 passenger trains, including 108 intercity trains, in Bangladesh. The rest are mail, local and commuter trains.

Railway officials, however, said some of the mail, local and commuter trains remained shut due to shortage of engines and coaches.

Earlier, on Monday, the government imposed certain restrictions on public movement and other activities like operating public transport with half of their capacities amid the growing concern over the new Omicron variant of Coronavirus.

The cabinet division issued the notification with 11-point guidelines on Monday which will take effect on 13 January and will remain in force until further notice.