All intercity trains to resume operation gradually between Aug 16-31

Bangladesh Railway (BR) is set to resume all its intercity train services in phases by August 31 starting from August 16 with 13 trains.

All train services of the state-owned train operator remained suspended after the government announced lockdown from March 26 to check COVID 19 infection.

But the BR resumed 17 inter-city trains in two phases after lockdown was relaxed allowing public transport in limited number on May 1. But all these trains, however, have gradually been running with less passengers against its allowable half seats.

Officials said BR took the decision to resume all intercity trains after a meeting as movement of people have gradually been turning normal.

Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujon, Rail Secretary Mohammad Selim Reza and BR Director General Mohammad Shamsuzzaman attended it.

The meeting took the decision to resume 13 set intercity trains on its eastern and western zones.

Senior Information Officer Shariful Alam told The Financial Express (FE) online that all the intercity train services would be operating like the existing 17 trains following all health-related guidelines and seating arrangement.

The trains to be resumed on August 16 are: Panchagarh-Dhaka-Panchagarh Ekota Express, Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna Sundarban Express, Rajshahi-Dhaka-Rajshahi Padma Express, Dhaka-Sylhet-Dhaka Parabat Express, Dhaka-Mohonganj-Dhaka Haor Express, Dhaka-Tarakandi-Dhaka Agnibina Express, Rajshahi-CHilahati-Rajshahi Titumir Express, Chattogram-Dhaka-Chattogram Mohanagar Express, Chattogram-Mymensign-Chattogram Upokul Express, Khulna-Chilahati-Khulna Simanto Express, Gobra-Rajshahi-Gobra Tungipara Express and Dhaka-Dewanganj Bazar Jamalpur Commuter.

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