Train info on cell phone

Train information can now be had on mobile phones with Grameenphone, Robi and Banglalink offering the facility to their users.

All they have to do is to type TR, space, the train name or code, and send the message to 16318 to be updated on arrivals, departures, delayed schedules and the location of running trains in a reply lodged in their in-box. Each SMS, including VAT, will cost Tk 4.60.

Director of Bangladesh Railway Md Tofazzal Hossain told bdnews24.com, "The service started three months ago to save passengers' time. The service has gained popularity among the users since then. So, all the mobile phone operators are trying to introduce the service."

File Photo

The service is available for inter-city and key trains. Special devices have been installed in 50 locomotives to track them via GPRS.

Thanks to the new service, passengers will now be spared agonizing wait in long queues.

Although the railway had launched the service with the help of one operator, few knew of it because of lack of publicity. Railway now provides the service via SMS through three operators.