Running of passenger trains across the country have been kept suspended since March 25 to prevent coronavirus infections. However, the railway authorities are ready to start the train at any time.
The passenger train will run only after receiving instructions from the government.
Preparations are already underway at the stations on how to start the train operation in accordance with the rules of the Ministry of Health.
As part of this, rounds are being drawn in front of the ticket counter at Rajshahi railway station to ensure the physical distance of the passengers. Once the train is on, passengers at the station can stand three feet away to buy tickets.
Station Manager of Rajshahi Railway Station Md. Abdul Karim told Barta24.com, such measures have been taken to ensure the physical distance of the passengers coming to the station. In that case, preparations are being made for how the passengers will get tickets, how to enter the station.
Preparations are being made for the limited number of trains to run before or after Eid.
We have been instructed by the transport department to be ready. But so far we have not made any decision about running the train.
Asked about the running of trains in Eid-ul- Fitr festival, Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan told Barta24.com, passenger trains will start operating once public transport starts. However after receiving instructions from the government action will be taken. We are currently operating freight trains.
Moreover, parcel special trains are being run to transport the goods of the farmers. That is why the stations are always being prepared to ensure hygiene.
Earlier, according to notification of the Railway Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO-Dhaka) sent to various stations signed by Shawkat Jamil Mohsin, said that even though train services were suspended due to the global novel coronavirus, limited trains could be allowed before Eid-ul-Fitr on condition of observing hygienic rules.
As a result, doors, windows, handles, seats, head belt covers, toilets and floors of onboard trains have to be hygienically cleaned. The catering company has to clean the food cart properly and serve quality food in a healthy manner.
While traveling on the train, every passenger must wear masks and gloves, announce the station's microphone frequently, write in large letters and paste it in front of the counter. The issued ticket must be stamped with a thick seal stating that 'every passenger must wear a mask and gloves while traveling on the train'. Above all, every employee has to perform his duties in a clean and tidy manner while performing his duties at the station.’
It is to be mentioned here that the passenger train movement on the domestic route has been stopped since the evening of March 25 to prevent the transmission of corona. However, freight trains continued to operate. Besides, parcel special trains have been plying on different routes since May 1 to transport farmers' goods.