Dhaka: Bangladesh Railway has announced to carry passengers in all seats of intercity trains from Wednesday, citing downward transmission of coronavirus. The authority has issued a notification in this regard.
The circular signed by Nahid Hasan Khan, Deputy Director (TC) of Bangladesh Railways, said that the recent omicron type of coronavirus infection has been declining. Vaccination activities have already been intensified. Ordinary people are taking different vaccines against coronavirus and going to different places, which has increased the pressure of passengers on the train. In order to keep the economic activities of the country successful, there is a need to meet the passenger demand. In such a situation, the restrictions imposed on the sale of intercity train tickets are being relaxed. From February 9, tickets will be issued for 100% of the existing number of seats in the train.
The circular further said that in case of issue of tickets at the counter and travel by train, the hygiene of the passengers and wearing of masks should be ensured. Half of the total seats have to be issued at the ticket counter, the other half online. Standing tickets for intercity trains and platform tickets for stations will be completely closed. According to the emergency quota and inter-city train manual approved by the Ministry of Railways, all existing quotas for sale of inter-city train tickets except side quota will remain closed. Provision of catering services on intercity trains and provision of night bedding on trains will be normal with strict adherence to hygiene rules. In case of ticket issue, these amendments will be effective from February 9.
The government imposed restrictions on the overall activities / movement from January 13 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Passengers were also instructed to leave half the seats vacant in public transport. In view of this, Bangladesh Railway started passenger transport from January 15, leaving half the seats vacant, which has continued till now. Although all public transport was instructed to start passenger transport with half the seats vacant, the decision was implemented only by the railways.