Staff Reporter :
The second day of Eid travel has commenced, with trains departing on time and a relatively low number of passengers at bus terminals in the capital.
The first train of the day, the Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express, left from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station as scheduled. Unlike previous years, the station has not yet seen a significant rush of homebound travelers, allowing passengers to leave the city smoothly.
On Tuesday morning (March 25), all platforms at Kamalapur Railway Station were active with passengers, and all departing trains maintained their scheduled timings. The punctuality of train services has provided relief to travelers. Meanwhile, online ticket sales for return journeys have begun, with tickets for April 4 now available.
Throughout the day, a total of 43 intercity trains and 25 mail and commuter trains are scheduled to depart from Dhaka Station. To prevent unauthorized entry onto platforms, multiple layers of security checks have been implemented, ensuring a safe and hassle-free travel experience for passengers.
As in previous years, Bangladesh Railway has introduced special measures to manage the Eid rush effectively. To prevent ticketless travel and strengthen station security, members of the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), local police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are deployed at major stations across the country.
In contrast, a different scenario is unfolding at Dhaka’s bus terminals. Reports from major terminals, including Mohakhali and Gabtoli, indicate a lower-than-expected number of passengers. Many ticket counters remain relatively empty, and long-distance buses are departing with fewer passengers than usual.
Transport officials suggest that the early closure of educational institutions has allowed many people to leave for their hometowns in advance.
The extended Eid holidays have also resulted in a staggered departure pattern, reducing congestion at bus terminals. However, they anticipate a rise in passenger numbers in the next couple of days.