In the lead-up to the holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha, Kamalapur Railway Station in the capital has become densely packed with homebound passengers, as thousands of people leave Dhaka to celebrate with their families across the country.

From the early hours before dawn, passengers carrying luggage and travelling with family members began gathering at the station. As the morning progressed, the crowd steadily intensified, turning the entire premises into a hub of continuous movement and heightened activity. The pressure of travellers has been particularly noticeable on routes bound for the southern districts, Chattogram and Sylhet, where demand for seats remains exceptionally high.

Many passengers described a sense of relief and anticipation as they finally embarked on their journeys after long periods of work in the capital. The atmosphere inside the station reflected both exhaustion and excitement, with children especially appearing enthusiastic about returning home for the festivities. Families were seen waiting together on platforms, sharing food, stories, and expectations of Eid celebrations ahead.

Several travellers said they prefer rail transport over road travel, citing safety, affordability and relative comfort. A passenger aboard the Sundarban Express, Ziaur Rahman, said he felt pleased to finally be heading home and described the journey so far as smooth and comfortable. Another passenger, Ashraful Islam, noted that he had booked his ticket in advance to avoid the heavy traffic congestion typically experienced on highways during the Eid season.

Long queues at ticket counters have become a daily sight at the station. During peak periods such as Eid, the demand for tickets far exceeds availability, leading to persistent waiting lines from early morning hours. Passengers often arrive well before their scheduled time in anticipation of securing seats, adding to the sense of urgency and bustle across the station premises.

According to railway authorities, the number of seats available on intercity trains is limited compared to passenger demand. As a result, tickets are allocated in a structured manner, with a portion of passengers travelling seated while others are required to stand, particularly on overcrowded services.

Advance ticket sales for the return journey are also being conducted according to a fixed schedule to manage passenger flow more effectively. Authorities had announced the timetable in advance to ensure orderly distribution of tickets.

Eid Return Ticket Sales Schedule

Overall, Kamalapur Railway Station has transformed into the central focal point of Eid travel in the capital. The combination of dense crowds, organised chaos, and the emotional pull of homecoming has created a distinctive atmosphere. Railway authorities have strengthened monitoring and operational management to maintain order and ensure that passengers can reach their destinations safely and with as much comfort as possible during the busy holiday period.