United News of Bangladesh

Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday announced a 25 percent fare concession for persons with disabilities, students and citizens aged above 65 on metro rail and all other railway services. “It may take some time for the concession to come into effect,” said the minister while talking to reporters at Secretariat. When asked whether freedom fighters would receive the same benefit, he said the issue was not discussed. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Regarding online ticketing, the minister said the discount option will be available in the system. Passengers aged 65 and above will have to show their national ID card to avail 25 percent concession and they will also need to present ID during onboard checks, he said. Students must show valid student ID cards while persons with disabilities will need to display the government-issued disability card. Replying to another question, the minister said the government is working for the overall development of the railway sector including improving service quality and increasing train speeds to ensure shorter travel times. The minister said efforts are underway to operate 85 to 86 locomotives during Eid to maintain schedules and handle additional passenger pressure. “If we can operate that number of locomotives it will be possible to maintain schedules and carry extra passengers. There will be no scope for schedule disruption,” he added. The Minister also said there will be no opportunity to charge excess fares during Eid travel. He said meetings were held with bus and launch owners’ associations who pledged not to raise fares.  “We are keeping them under monitoring and this will be enforced at any cost,” he said, expressing hope that Eid travel will be comfortable with everyone’s cooperation.

The government has decided to conduct mobile court drives to identify passengers without tickets and prevent ticket black marketing and stop travel on the roof of trains during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision was taken at a meeting held at Rail Bhaban in the capital on Monday to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable train journeys during Eid, with Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam in the chair. The meeting decided to sell standing tickets equivalent to 25 percent of the total number of seats on each train to manage additional passenger pressure during the Eid-ul-Fitr. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister However, authorities have been instructed to ensure that passengers with non-seat tickets are not allowed to travel in AC coaches or first-class compartments. Officials said necessary steps will be taken to ensure a safe and hassle-free Eid journey for passengers.