Trains to run with 50% passengers from Saturday

Bangladesh Railway has decided to run all its passenger trains with half of the capacity from Saturday.

The authorities took the decision at a meeting on Tuesday complying with the government’s directives issued on Monday to choke the spread of Covid-19 infections along with its new variant Omicron in the country.

Confirming the matter, Additional Director General (operations) of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Shahadat Ali said half of the 50 per cent tickets will be sold at the counters while the rest through mobile app or online during the restriction period.

He said issuance of standing tickets for intercity trains and platform tickets at stations will remain suspended.

Strict measures will be taken to ensure social distancing in the trains and stations, the official said.

“None will be allowed to enter railway stations without facemask.”

All sorts of quota systems, except emergency and manual quotas approved by the Ministry of Railways, will remain suspended.

The catering service and supplying of beds at night, however, will be available maintaining the health guidelines during the period.

Amid the growing concern over the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the government has imposed restrictions on public movement and other activities, including operating public transports at their half capacities.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Monday saying that the restrictions will come into effect on Thursday and remain in force until further notice.