In preparation for the surge of homebound passengers during Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Railway has announced a comprehensive plan to manage passenger demand efficiently and ensure a safe, punctual, and comfortable travel experience. A key feature of this year’s system is that 100 per cent of advance train tickets will be sold online, aiming to enhance transparency and eliminate ticketing irregularities.
According to an official statement issued on 25 February following a preparatory meeting held at Rail Bhaban on 22 February, advance tickets for Eid travel will be available from 3 March to 9 March. Return journey tickets will be sold from 13 March to 19 March, covering travel dates between 23 March and 29 March.
To accommodate increased passenger flow, Bangladesh Railway will operate five pairs of special trains in addition to its regular intercity services. These trains are expected to ease congestion on key routes and improve connectivity across regions.
Special Eid Train Routes
| No. | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chattogram – Chandpur |
| 2 | Dhaka – Dewanganj |
| 3 | Bhairab Bazar – Kishoreganj |
| 4 | Mymensingh – Kishoreganj |
| 5 | Joydebpur – Parbatipur |
Advance tickets will be issued on a date-wise basis during the sales period. Tickets for western of the region intercity trains will be released online from 8:00 am, while eastern of the region tickets will be available from 2:00 pm. Each passenger may purchase up to four tickets per transaction for both outbound and return journeys. Authorities have confirmed that these tickets will be non-refundable.
On the day of travel, 25 per cent of total seat capacity (excluding higher class) will be sold as standing tickets at station counters, allowing flexibility for passengers without prior bookings.
To maximise service availability, weekly off-days for all intercity trains will be suspended from 16 March until the day before Eid. Normal schedules will resume after the festival. Monitoring cells at divisional and zonal levels will oversee operations, while railway Officers will remain on emergency duty to ensure punctuality and quick response to disruptions.
Security measures have been significantly strengthened at major stations, including Dhaka, Airport, Joydebpur, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna. Coordinated efforts involving railway police, law enforcement agencies, and security forces will be in place. Strict controls will prevent ticketless passengers from entering stations.
Additionally, railway tracks will be regularly patrolled, signalling systems thoroughly inspected, and coaches and locomotives carefully examined. Relief trains will remain on standby to address any emergencies promptly. During peak travel days, goods trains—except those carrying essential commodities such as fuel and containers—will be temporarily suspended to prioritise passenger services.
Key Ticketing and Travel Information
| subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Advance ticket sales | 3–9 March (online only) |
| Return ticket sales | 13–19 March |
| Maximum tickets per passenger | 4 |
| Standing tickets | 25% (station counters) |
| Weekly off-days | Suspended (16 March–Eid eve) |
Several additional restrictions have also been introduced. From 16 March until the day before Eid, no tickets will be issued for intercity trains on the Joydebpur–Dhaka and Airport–Dhaka routes. something Dhaka-bound trains will temporarily skip stoppages at the Airport station. extra coaches will be added based on passenger demand.
Furthermore, saloon cars will not be attached to trains for 10 days before and after Eid, ensuring more space for general passengers. A few are important trains—including Sundarban, Madhumati, Benapole, Jahanabad, Rupsha Bangla Express, and Nakshikantha Commuter—will operate from suburban platforms in Dhaka to facilitate smoother passenger movement.
A spokesperson for the Railways Ministry has urged travellers to remain cautious about fraudulent ticket links circulating on social media and to report any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement agencies.
Overall, the initiative reflects Bangladesh Railway’s commitment to delivering a seamless, disciplined, and secure Eid travel experience for millions of passengers across the country.