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Two days after its launch, special train service for parcel transportation on three routes of the country has stopped for not getting positive response from service recipients.
However, Bangladesh Railway (BR) is still trying to continue parcel train service by exploring alternative routes, sources said.
They said parcel train service launched on Chattogram-Dhaka route had been canceled as BR could not get good response from the farmers and traders.
Though special parcel trains launched by BR West Zone received goods, those were hardly filled with a van out of three provided for each route.
"Due to cost involvement, we have decided to stop service," said Mia Jahan, additional director general (operation) of Bangladesh Railway.
He said BR is considering changing the route to continue service between Chattogram and Mymensingh.
The chief operating superintendent of Bangladesh Railway's East Zone in an office order on Sunday suspended special parcel train on Chattogram-Dhaka route from Monday.
However, BR has changed the Dhaka-Dewanganj-Dhaka route and launched parcel train on Dhaka-Bhairabbazar-Mymensingh route on Monday.
Another parcel train introduced on Khulna-Dhaka route could not run for a single day since its launch on Friday due to lack of goods.
BR had taken initiative to launch special parcel train amid the lockdown to help local farmers and traders in transporting fruits and vegetables from those areas as the government has restricted movement of goods-laden vehicles to check the spread of coronavirus.
Before the launch of new service, BR used to provide parcel service keeping a van with all passenger trains.
Stationmasters alleged that local business groups are more interested on road-based goods transportation than trains to avoid the hazard of loading and unloading several times.
As goods transportation on road is limited amid the lockdown, BR has no say on the reason why the farmers and traders are not interested in availing train service even though it is cheaper than road.
Mia Jahan said the BR selected the routes after talking with stationmasters and local chamber leaders.
"We are still trying to find out the reason when they even used to avail parcel service BR provides with passenger trains during normal time," he told the FE over phone.