With a view to ensuring safe journey for Eid holidaymakers, the government has taken some initiatives, including special train operation and establishment of temporary cattle markets distant from roads and highways.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the rail and road transport and bridges ministries, made the disclosure on Monday after a meeting on the preparations for Eid-ul-Azha.
In another meeting with the Bangladesh Railway authorities, he also said that train ticket sales would start online on May 21 for journey on May 31.
The adviser warned that a stern action would be taken against those who are involved in collecting extortion and selling train tickets at exorbitant prices.
The monitoring teams of different government agencies would work during the Eid holidays, he added.
In another meeting, Mr Khan said Bangladesh Railway would operate its all regular trains along with five additional trains with no weekly holidays.
"Besides, three special trains will be operated to transport sacrificial animals."
According to the special Eid train schedule, Chandpur Eid Special 1 and 2 on Chattogram-Chandpur-Chattogram route and Teesta Special 3 and 4 on Dhaka-Dewanganj-Dhaka route and Parbatipur Special 9 and 10 on Joydevpur-Parbatipur-Joydevpur route will be operated during June 04-06 before Eid-ul-Azha and during June 09-14.
Sholakia Eid Special 5 and 6 will be operated on Bhairab Bazar-Kishoreganj-Bhairab Bazar route and Sholakia Eid Special 7 and 8 on Mymensingh-Kishoreganj-Mymensingh route only on the Eid day. Depending on the moon sight, selling of train tickets on June 7 and 8 will be decided.
Regarding road safety, the adviser said special attention will be given on accident-prone areas to check accidents as well as provide first aid.
Operations of trucks and vans, three days before the Eid-ul-Azha and end of the government holiday from June 4 to June 6 and from June 12 to June 14 except for emergency service.
The adviser sought cooperation from all to make Eid journey safe for commuters and stop extortion and snatching in and around cattle markets.
He also made a directive to share maps of markets to all concerned and take actions to the entry and exit points from Dhaka city for avoiding traffic congestion in particularly mentioned about smooth operation of toll plaza and electronic payment of tolls.
smunima@yahoo.com
