State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid -Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 21, 2026 (BSS) - The government has taken initiatives to add extra railway coaches, increase waiting spaces at stations and adjust train schedules to handle rush of Eid holidaymakers while strict measures have been taken to prevent ticket black marketing.

"We have taken strict measures to stop ticket black marketing. Arrangements are being made to ensure that passengers without tickets cannot enter Kamalapur Railway Station," State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid told BSS.  

He said despite shortages of locomotives and coaches compared to demand, the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure a smooth journey of Eid holidaymakers.

"We need around 86 to 87 locomotives in regular operation. Sometimes technical problems create complications. However, we try to repair them quickly and return them to service," he said.

He said locomotives or coaches cannot be procured overnight as these take time to collect. However, the government is sincere and efforts to increase capacity are ongoing, he mentioned.

The state minister said additional passenger services during Eid will be ensured by repairing and reactivating carriages and engines while additional support is being provided where there is a shortage of coaches.

Information services at various stations have also been strengthened for passenger convenience while initiatives have been taken to inform passengers in advance through messages if any train is delayed, he said.

The state minister said sudden simultaneous holidays in garment factories and other institutions in the days before Eid create huge pressure on transportation services.

"At that time, it becomes difficult to provide the expected level of service to all passengers because our capacity is still lower than the demand," he said.

Regarding instant ticketing arrangements, he said limited standing ticket facilities will be available at railway stations during Eid so that passengers can legally obtain tickets at the last moment in case of emergency.

He said measures have been taken to improve waiting environments, upgrade washroom facilities, ensure proper trolley services, wheelchair facilities for elderly and sick passengers at stations.

Referring to the government's broader transportation plans, the state minister said the government is working on integrated development of road, waterway, and railway transport systems.

"Just as initiatives have been taken in road transport for traffic control through AI technology, vehicle monitoring through GPS, and the introduction of electric vehicles, similar efforts are underway in railways to ensure technology-based modern services," he said.

He added that more time is needed to make railways more effective and modern, but every plan is moving toward implementation.

He said the government sincerely wants railways to become the most reliable public transportation system for the people of the country by expanding services further while efforts are already underway to improve rail connectivity around Dhaka.

"At the same time, we are modernizing level crossings. Plans for constructing underpasses and overpasses at important points are being implemented to reduce traffic congestion," he added.

He said the government is expanding digital facilities in railways to ensure technology-based passenger services. "Internet service through Wi-Fi has already been introduced on many trains. This facility will be expanded gradually to make travel more comfortable for passengers."

The state minister said special emphasis is being placed on improving passenger services on the Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Cox's Bazar, and Dhaka-Sylhet routes. Development work is being accelerated at stations on these routes where necessary infrastructure is still lacking, he mentioned.

Highlighting the possibility of private investment in the railway sector, Rashid said the government is working to create opportunities for those interested in investing in locomotives, carriages, or other railway-related sectors.

On train schedule disruptions, the state minister said technical complexities at the junctions of broad-gauge and meter-gauge railway lines cause delays.

"During my inspection of the Dhaka-Sylhet route, I discussed this issue at several stations. If necessary, schedules will be adjusted again to reduce delays," he said.