Trains to run with 50pc passengers from Saturday

Bangladesh Railway has decided to operate trains at their half capacities from January 15 complying with the government's directives issued on Monday to contain the fresh rise of Covid-19 along with the new variant Omicron in the country, reports BSS.

Additional director general (operations) of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Shahadat Ali confirmed the mater and said during the period 25 percent tickets of the inter-city trains will be issued from counters while the rest 25 percent will be issued through mobile app or online. 

Besides, issuance of standing tickets for inter-city trains and platform tickets at stations will remain suspended, he said, adding that strict measures will be taken to ensure proper maintenance social distancing in the trains and stations. 

"None will be allowed to enter railway stations without facemask," Ali said.

All kind of quota systems except emergency and manual quotas approved by the Railways Ministry will remain suspended.

The catering service and supplying of beds at night, however, will be available maintaining the health guidelines during the period. 

Earlier on Monday, the Cabinet Division issued an 11-point restrictions to stem the spread of Covid-19 effective from Thursday.