Eid special trains to boost holiday travel

The Bangladesh Railway has announced the operation of 10 pairs of special trains for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, aiming to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel for homebound passengers during the busy holiday season.

The decision was made at a meeting held on April 30, as authorities prepare for a sharp rise in passenger movement across the country. Officials of the Ministry of Railways said the special services are designed not only to ease pressure on regular trains but also to improve overall travel comfort during the Eid rush.

The special trains will operate on several key intercity and regional routes, connecting major cities and districts including Dhaka, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Chandpur, Joydebpur, Parbatipur, and Dewanganj. Popular routes such as Chattogram–Chandpur, Dhaka–Dewanganj, and Joydebpur-Parbatipur will see dedicated Eid services.

Railway officials said some trains, including the Chandpur and Tista Eid specials, will run before and after Eid, while the Sholakia special trains will operate only on the Eid day to support visitors attending the famous Sholakia Eid congregation in Kishoreganj, one of the country’s largest Eid gatherings.

The Bangladesh Railway has also planned phased operations before and after Eid to manage peak travel pressure. Several trains will run for three days before Eid and resume services for multiple days after the festival, depending on the route.

Officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance domestic tourism and inter-district mobility during Eid, when millions of people travel to their hometowns. The railway network is expected to play a key role in reducing road congestion and ensuring safer, more affordable travel compared to road transport.

With increased demand during the holiday period, authorities believe the special train services will significantly improve passenger flow and contribute to a more organized and comfortable Eid travel experience across the country.