Tourists turn to trains for Eid travel as extra coaches added
Passenger pressure is likely to rise from Monday evening as government and private offices begin their Eid holidays. To handle the rush, 46 additional coaches have been attached to trains on major routes
Anindya Arif 
With the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays approaching, tourist travel across the country is expected to increase sharply. To manage the surge, Bangladesh Railway has added extra coaches and arranged special trains on several routes.
Railway officials said passenger pressure is likely to rise from Monday evening as government and private offices begin their Eid holidays. To handle the rush, 46 additional coaches have been attached to trains on major routes, while five pairs of special trains will operate across the country until 28 March.
Several busy routes serving popular tourist destinations will run with increased capacity. On the Dhaka–Chattogram line, intercity trains such as Subarna Express and Sonar Bangla Express will operate with extra coaches.
Other trains on the same route, including Turna Express and Mahanagar Godhuli Express, will also run with additional coaches.
Extra coaches are also being added to trains connecting major tourism hubs like Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet and Chattogram. These include Paharika Express and Udayan Express on the Chattogram–Sylhet route, Bijoy Express on the Chattogram–Mymensingh line, and Cox’s Bazar Express on the Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar route.
Railway authorities hope these measures will make travel easier to popular Eid holiday destinations, particularly Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet and Chattogram, where large numbers of people usually spend their vacations.
Mohammad Shahidul Islam, joint director (operations) of Bangladesh Railway, said five pairs of special trains will run on key routes to handle the Eid rush, while additional coaches have been attached to trains based on passenger demand.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Railway Station manager Abu Bakar Siddiq said ticket demand has already risen sharply ahead of the Eid.
“Since 13 March, tickets for all trains have been sold out,” he said. “Tickets are now sold entirely online, and only standing tickets are available two hours before departure. The main Eid journey will begin on Monday, and all preparations have been completed. Passengers will not be allowed to travel on train roofs due to safety risks.”
Railway sources said 122 coaches have recently been repaired at the Pahartali Railway Workshop in Chattogram to strengthen Eid services.
However, ageing locomotives remain a concern. The shortage is particularly severe in the eastern zone, where around 1,131 coaches and just over 70 locomotives are currently in operation. Officials say at least 85 locomotives are needed to avoid major schedule disruptions during the peak Eid travel period.
Travellers have appreciated and welcomed the additional arrangements.
“I am travelling with my family to Cox’s Bazar this Eid,” said Tanvir Rahman, a private sector employee waiting at the station. “Train journeys are safer and more comfortable, especially with children. The extra coaches should help reduce overcrowding.”
University student Sadia Ahmed, who plans to visit Sylhet with friends, said trains are often the best option during Eid. “Road travel becomes unpredictable during the holidays. If trains run on time, the trip becomes much more enjoyable,” she said.
Tourism operators believe smoother train services during Eid could encourage more domestic travel, benefiting local tourism businesses in beach, hill and tea-garden destinations across the country.
