Railway canteens charge extortionate price for foods, drinks

Railway is one of the most popular modes of public transport in Bangladesh. This is why; we often see almost every inter-city train in the country running with capacity passengers. However, train passengers often complain about the quality of railway services. Among many of their complaints, one common allegation is that the prices of drinking water and food items are too expensive in train canteens.

Train canteens usually sell bottled water, snacks like burger and sandwiches, tea, coffee, chips and chocolates, among others. However, the railway canteen operators do not follow the price tags written on the packet, and sometimes charge double the tagged price. If anyone protests against this, he/she is taken to task by the authorities. In such cases, long-distance passengers are helpless and forced to buy overpriced food items. Besides, people have worries about the safety of the foods sold in moving trains.

We all should keep in mind that railway has for long been an essential part of our communication system. So, the authorities concerned must work to improve the existing services available in our trains. Food in trains should be sold at fair prices. Free supply of clean water and hygienic sanitation should also be ensured there.

Md Azizul Hakim Rakib,

Student of Department of International Relations,

University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi,

azrakib200@gmail.com