Habibur vows strict action against railway ticket black market

“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 the government has made maximum preparations to ensure smooth Eid travel despite shortages of locomotives and coaches compared to growing passenger demand.

“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.

The minister noted that procuring locomotives and coaches is a lengthy process, but the government remains committed to increasing railway capacity.

He said additional Eid passenger services would be ensured by repairing and reactivating carriages and engines, while extra support would be provided on routes facing coach shortages.

To improve passenger convenience, railway authorities have strengthened information services at stations and introduced measures to notify passengers in advance through messages if trains are delayed.

Rashid said sudden and simultaneous Eid holidays in garment factories and other institutions create enormous pressure on transport 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, the minister said limited standing ticket facilities would remain available during Eid to help passengers obtain legal last-minute tickets in emergencies.

He also highlighted initiatives to improve station facilities, including better waiting environments, upgraded washrooms, proper trolley services, and wheelchair support for elderly and sick passengers.

Referring to broader transport development plans, Rashid said the government is working on integrated development of road, waterway, and railway networks.

“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.

The minister said the government aims to transform railways into the country’s most reliable public transport system by gradually expanding and modernising services.

Efforts are also underway to improve rail connectivity around Dhaka, modernise level crossings, and construct underpasses and overpasses at key points to ease traffic congestion, he added.

Rashid said digital railway services are being expanded, with Wi-Fi already introduced on many trains and plans in place to gradually extend the facility.

Special emphasis is being placed on improving passenger services on the Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar, and Dhaka-Sylhet routes, where infrastructure development is being accelerated.

Highlighting prospects for private investment in the railway sector, the minister said the government is creating opportunities for investors interested in locomotives, carriages, and other railway-related services.

On train schedule disruptions, he said technical complications at junctions connecting broad-gauge and meter-gauge railway lines often 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 added.