13 pairs of passenger trains resume operations

Thirteen pairs of passenger trains resumed operations from today on different routes to make services more functional amid the Covid-19 pandemic, said Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan.

"We've asked the authorities concerned to ensure train movement after maintaining health guidelines and social distancing," he said, after visiting Kamalapur Railway Station.

According to rail sources, 17 pairs of passenger trains were running on various routes until now.

The 13 pairs of trains are -- Parabat Express on Dhaka-Sylhet route, Hawra Express on Dhaka-Mohanganj-Dhaka route, Agnibina Express on Dhaka-Tarakandi-Dhaka route, Padma Express on Dhaka-Rajshahi route, Titumir Express on Rajshahi-Chilahati-Rajshahi route, Mahanagar Express on Dhaka-Chattogram-Dhaka route, Ekata Express on Panchagarh-Dhaka-Panchagarh route, Sundarban Express on Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna route, Bijoy Express on Chattogram-Mymensingh-Chattogram route, Upukul Express on Dhaka-Noakhali-Dhaka route, Shimanta Express on Khulna-Chilahati-Khulna route and Tongipara Express on Gobra-Rajshahi-Gobra route.Commuter trains will be operated on Dhaka-Dewanganj-Dhaka route.

Train services resumed on May 31 with eight pairs of intercity trains. Bangladesh Railway started selling tickets online from May 30 to avoid health risks.

The government on May 29 issued a gazette notification allowing limited operation of public transport and offices from May 31 to June 15 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

It said public transport – buses, trains and vessels – will have to maintain health guidelines.