Advance train tickets from Sept 26

Bangladesh Railway will sell advance tickets for intercity trains in the rundown to Eid-ul-Azha and Durga Puja festivals from Sept 26.

Railway minister Mujibul Haque told a media briefing on Tuesday that return tickets will be made available from Oct 3.

Eid holidays are supposed to fall between Oct 5 and 7 while the Durga Puja holiday will be on Oct 4.

Eid holidays are likely to fall between Oct 5 and 7 while the Durga Puja holiday will be on Oct 4.

The minister said on Sept 26 commuters would get tickets for the fifth day before Eid. Based on moon sighting, the Eid vacation is likely to fall between Oct 5 and 7.

Oct 4 is the holiday for Bijoya Dashami, the last day of Durga Puja.

"On Oct 3 return tickets for Oct 7 will be issued, and the sale of return tickers will continue till Oct 11," Mazibul Hoque said.

As usual one person will be able to buy only four tickets.

The minister said the railway now has 848 coaches, 130 of which have been renovated ahead of Eid. Of the 178 engines, 30 have been repaired.

Ten special trains would run during the holidays, he said.

"Normally each day we sell 180,000 tickets. Ahead of the holidays we will sell 250,000 tickets per day," he added.

Following the practice introduced during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, senior railway officials will not be getting any leave in this Eid too.

The minister added that the railway was getting 120 new coaches and passengers would see "noticeable change" in the next two years.

Senior railway officials were present at the press meet.