Chattogram Railway Station sees surge of passengers as Eid holidays begin

Chattogram Railway Station saw a significant influx of passengers as Eid-ul-Fitr holidays began in government and private institutions.

The rush started yesterday afternoon (16 March), intensified at night on the probable night of Lailatul Qadr and continued today (17 March) as people travelled to their hometowns.

Ticket sales remain strong, standing tickets in demand

From the morning, all seats on every train were sold out, while demand for standing tickets remained high.

Officials said there were no major schedule disruptions during the Eid travel period, except for minor delays in a few trains.

Chattogram Railway Station Manager Abu Bakar Siddique told The Business Standard, "All tickets had been sold in advance online. In addition, standing tickets are being sold two hours before departure, where demand remains high. However, the number of standing tickets is being kept within a reasonable limit relative to reserved seats."

"So far, only one train arrived slightly late and departed behind schedule, while the rest have maintained timely departures. Adequate security measures are also in place", he added.

Extra coaches added to meet Eid rush

Considering the increased passenger demand during Eid, railway authorities have added extra coaches to trains operating on major routes.

According to railway sources, a total of 46 additional coaches have been attached this year, while newly imported coaches from South Korea have also been introduced on several high-demand routes to ensure a more comfortable journey.

The Dhaka–Chattogram route will receive the highest number of additional coaches.

Non-stop trains such as Subarna Express and Sonar Bangla Express will see the most significant increase in coach numbers.

Additional coaches will also be added to Turna Express, Mahanagar Godhuli Express and Mahanagar Express on the same route.

Similarly, extra coaches are being introduced for Paharika and Udayan Express on the Chattogram–Sylhet route, Bijoy Express on the Chattogram–Mymensingh route, Meghna Express on the Chattogram–Chandpur route and Parjatan and Cox's Bazar Express on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox's Bazar route.

Maintenance and engine challenges

However, officials noted that engine failures could still pose a risk of service disruption, which remains the primary challenge in maintaining the continuity of rail services.

According to railway data, 122 coaches have been repaired at the Pahartali Railway Workshop in Chattogram, many of which were previously out of service or in need of maintenance.

Bus terminals also see heavy crowds

Bus terminals are also experiencing heavy passenger pressure as the seven-day Eid holiday has significantly increased the volume of travellers.

Khorshed Alam, executive vice-president of the Chattogram district committee of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, told The Business Standard that more than 1,200 buses are operating daily from Chattogram to 63 districts across the country for Eid travel.

"As Monday was the last working day, Eid travel effectively began that night. Passenger pressure remains high and is expected to continue until 19 March", he added.

Passengers on long-distance routes had booked tickets in advance, while those on nearby routes were still purchasing tickets.

Officials said that as educational institutions were closed well ahead of Eid, many working individuals had already sent their families to their hometowns earlier, while workers themselves began travelling from yesterday night.