Trains to operate with 50% passengers from Saturday

Bangladesh Railway has decided to operate trains at half of their capacities from January 15 (Saturday) in an effort to ensure social distancing during train journeys as Covid-19 cases are on the rise in the country.

The Bangladesh Railway also brought some changes in issuing and booking tickets.

The changes are:

· Issuance of tickets for inter-city trains at half of their capacities for ensuring social distancing

· 25% tickets of the total seats will be issued from ticket counters while the rest 25% through online

· Issuance of standing tickets from platforms will remain suspended

· All the existing quotas for railway staff except the emergency ones will remain suspended until further notice

· Ensuring the use of masks by all passengers while issuing tickets and travelling

· Catering services and supplying of bedding services will continue subject to following health guidelines strictly.

On Monday, the government has imposed restrictions on public movement and other activities like operating public transport at their half capacities amid the growing concern over the new Omicron variant of Coronavirus.

The Cabinet Division issued the notification on Monday which will take effect on January 13 and will remain in force until further notice.