Western Zone runs special Eid trains for passengers. File photo

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, March 4, 2026 (BSS) - The Western Zone of Bangladesh Railway will operate two special trains to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of the Muslims.

A proposal in this regard has been sent from the office of the General Manager of Western Zone Railway to the Bangladesh Railway headquarters at Rail Bhaban in Dhaka.

According to railway sources, special arrangements will begin from March 21 to facilitate Eid passengers. In view of the anticipated rush, additional coaches will be attached to several designated intercity trains from March 17 to March 30.

Besides regular services, two special trains - Parbatipur Special and Joydebpur Special - will operate from March 17 to 19 before Eid and from March 23 to 26 after Eid.

The Parbatipur Special will depart Parbatipur at 11:00 am and reach Joydebpur at 3:20 pm. It will leave Joydebpur at 5:10 pm and arrive back in Parbatipur at 9:40 pm.

The Joydebpur Special will depart Joydebpur at 8:30 am and arrive in Parbatipur at 12:50 pm. It will leave Parbatipur at 2:50 pm and reach Joydebpur at 7:10 pm.

The trains will halt at major northern stations, including Chatmohar, Ishwardi Bypass, Natore and Ahsanganj. Each train will have around 786 seats. Authorities said the number of coaches may be adjusted depending on passenger demand, and additional coaches may be added if necessary.

Railway officials said special train services are also planned on important routes such as Dhaka-Rajshahi, Dhaka-Khulna, Dhaka-Chilahati and Dhaka-Panchagarh considering passenger pressure. Old coaches have been refurbished to make them suitable for operation.

From March 17 to 30, extra chair and sleeper coaches will be attached to high-demand intercity trains in the Western Zone to manage the Eid rush. Maintenance activities have been intensified, and sufficient coaches and locomotives are being kept ready to ensure uninterrupted services.

Ticket sales for journeys from March 13 to 19 began sequentially from March 3. Sale of tickets for March 20, 21 and 22 will depend on moon sighting. Tickets for Western Zone intercity trains will be available from 8:00 am, while tickets for Eastern Zone trains will be sold from 2:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased both online and at station counters.

To ensure passenger safety and discipline, additional manpower will be deployed at stations and security measures strengthened. An adequate number of Ansar members will be engaged to maintain security, while traffic personnel will be stationed at the entrance of Rajshahi Railway Station to ease congestion.

Zonal and divisional control offices have been directed to remain active. Officials will perform duties at key stations, and special onboard checking drives will be conducted to maintain order. Special attention will also be given to track repair and maintenance.

General Manager of Western Zone Railway Farid Ahmed said adequate preparations have been taken to ensure a safe and comfortable Eid journey.

"We hope passengers will enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey this Eid. We also expect their cooperation in maintaining discipline and following railway rules," he added.