At Bhanga Railway Station, the onset of the Eid holidays has triggered unprecedented passenger congestion, particularly affecting trains departing towards the southwest. On Wednesday, 18 March, the Dhaka-bound Naksikatha Commuter Train, en route to Khulna, arrived at Bhanga to scenes of extreme overcrowding. Every carriage was fully occupied, forcing many travellers to stand in the aisles or even climb onto the train’s roof.
Witnesses reported that some passengers held onto one another’s hands to climb safely onto the roof, while others precariously positioned themselves on the railings beside the engine. Most were unable to secure seating, highlighting the acute demand for rail travel during the festive period. The train, departing from Dhaka, reached Bhanga approximately 30 minutes later than scheduled.
Despite the congestion, passengers confirmed that fares remained standard, with no additional charges applied.
Passenger accounts:
Bojhari Mitra, standing on the engine’s railing, said, “I have no seat, but I must return home. A little discomfort is worth reaching safely.”
Tajim Hossain, travelling to Kushtia via Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, commented, “The journey is usually comfortable, but today I couldn’t get a seat. I boarded with the hope of arriving home safely.”
Another passenger, Varun, noted, “Standing without a seat is difficult, yet the joy of going home outweighs the discomfort. Safety is our main concern.”
Station Master Roni Byapari observed, “The passenger load during Eid is enormous. There are no vacant seats on the Naksikatha Commuter Train, yet large numbers board at Bhanga. Today’s crowd is far above the usual levels. We hope everyone reaches their destinations safely.”
Naksikatha Commuter Train – Key Details
| Description | Information |
|---|---|
| Train Name | Naksikatha Commuter |
| Route | Dhaka → Khulna |
| Arrival at Bhanga | Wednesday, 18 March, 30-minute delay |
| Number of Carriages | 12 (maximum capacity) |
| Approximate Passenger Count | 1,500–1,600 |
| Fare | Standard; no additional charges |
| Special Conditions | Some passengers standing or seated on engine railings and train roof |
The situation underscores the immense desire among citizens to return home for Eid, compounded by limited seating capacity. Local authorities have emphasised the need for vigilance to ensure passenger safety and comfort and have announced that additional measures are in place to manage the flow of travellers.