Train tickets go black market despite measures

Unavailability of train tickets is making it difficult for frequent passengers to cope with the escalating fare of other public transports

Zakir Hossain, a Dhaka-based doctor, travels to Rajshahi by train at least four times a month. He is doing an MPhil at Rajshahi University. "I love to travel by train as it is safe, comfortable and affordable,” said Zakir. Of late, he has some complaints too.

“Buying a ticket online is proving to be a big headache for me,” said Zakir. “It is not as easy as it was before.” Talking to UNB, he complained that he has to buy tickets from the black market as online tickets are not always available.

"Since I have to travel to the university, I collect tickets from the black market at a slightly higher price,” he said. “The railway authorities must look into this corrupt practice in the interest of the passengers,” Zakir suggested.

He echoed the feelings of many others who like to travel by train. They have a common complaint: a section of unscrupulous officials and employees are running a syndicate of black marketers in selling train tickets.

Many passengers also complained that though they do not find tickets at the ticket counters, they can buy them from shops near the stations.

The problem is they have to pay some extra bucks for this.

A good number of tickets are still available in the black market even though the whole system of ticketing has become digital. The UNB representative came up with the information after visiting various stations in the country.