Trains to operate with 50% seating capacity

BR authorities say they will start selling tickets for 50% of the total seats to ensure physical distancing among the passengers, half of which will be sold at ticket counters and the other half online

Bangladesh Railways (BR) is set to operate all trains with 50% seating capacity to contain the spread of coronavirus infection as the country witnesses a rise in Covid-19 cases.

The latest directive is to come into effect from April 1, say BR officials adding that instructions were relayed to all railway officials concerned in this regard.

BR authorities say they will start selling tickets for 50% of the total seats to ensure physical distancing among the passengers, half of which will be sold at ticket counters and the other half online.

Moreover, the authorities have also instructed railway officials concerned to maintain proper hygiene rules while transporting passengers and luggage.

The order is to remain in effect until further notice.

However, officials at several railway stations said it would not be possible to fully implement the new guidelines as tickets for April 1 were already sold in advance. 

Kamalapur Railway Station Manager Masud Sarwar said instructions had come from the office of the general manager of the Eastern Railway including selling tickets for 50% of the total seats. “We have started making preparations to implement the guidelines.”

He added from now on tickets will go on sale five days in advance. “However, as tickets for March 30 were sold out 10 days ago, immediately implementing the latest guidelines have become problematic.”