CHATTOGRAM, June 24: The special rail service on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route has been extended for another month. The train will be operated till July 24 due to its profitability and high passenger demand.
Sources said, the service resumed on June 12 for Eid-ul-Azha and was scheduled to run until today (June 24). As per schedule, today (Monday) was the last day of special train operation.
But, Sunday evening, the Bangladesh Railway (BR) Eastern Zone was informed from the BR headquarters about the extension of the service till July 24 next.
Chattogram Divisional Manager of BR Saiful Islam said, "the authority has extended the schedule of the special train after applying to the railway headquarters for next one month."
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, trains started again on this route on June 12. After that, when the decision to close this train came again, the people of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar expressed their concern over the decision.
Civil society of Chattogram have called for the permanent and regular operation of the special train, warning of strict agitation if their demands are not met.
The call was made during a press conference held at the Chattogram Press Club last Sunday afternoon.
However, the BR authority withdrew from this decision to stop the special train on June 24 and extended the train service till July 24 next.
The special train service on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route was first introduced on April 8 for Eid-ul-Fitr. It gained popularity quickly.
Initially extended in two phases until June 10, the train service was temporarily halted on May 31 due to engine and manpower shortages.
The service resumed on June 12 for Eid-ul-Azha and was set to run until June 24, creating discontent among passengers over the decision to stop it. At last, the BR authority extends the train service till July 24 next.
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