Bangladesh Railway will start selling advance train tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, from March 3 to March 9.

Besides, it will operate five pairs of special trains in addition to regular services for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe and convenient travel for homebound passengers.

The return journey tickets will be sold from March 13 to March 18. All tickets will be sold online.

The decision was taken at a preparatory meeting held on February 22, at Rail Bhaban to discuss arrangements for the upcoming festival.

The special trains will operate on the following routes:

Chattogram–Chandpur–Chattogram, Dhaka–Dewanganj–Dhaka, Bhairab Bazar–Kishoreganj–Bhairab Bazar, Mymensingh–Kishoreganj–Mymensingh and Joydebpur–Parbatipur–Joydebpur routes.

Besides, weekly off-days for intercity trains will be suspended from March 16 until the day before Eid.

Divisional and zonal monitoring cells will be formed to ensure punctuality and passenger safety.

However, extra coaches will be attached as per demand and relief trains will remain ready for emergencies.

Goods trains, except container and fuel trains, will be suspended from March 19 midnight to 6 pm on Eid day.

Law enforcement agencies, including Government Railway Police (GRP), RAB, BGB, and local police, will check entrance of ticketless passengers at the rail stations.

Passengers are requested to not to rely on social media links for ticket purchases and report any fraudulent sources to the authorities.