Long Eid break ends in travel misery as train congestion, fuel crunch hit returnees

The typical Eid rush has been significantly worsened by the fuel crunch

The return to the workplace after a notably long Eid vacation has turned into a saga of suffering for holidayers, who continue to endure gruelling journeys in severely congested spaces both inside compartments and on the rooftops of trains and buses.

The typical Eid rush has been significantly worsened by a fuel crunch that has thinned out an already inadequate public transport arrangement, leading to travel times that far exceed the norm and forcing commuters to wait in conditions many described as simply unbearable.

At Kamalapur Railway Station, every incoming train from different districts was packed beyond capacity.

Witnesses reported that most compartments lacked even standing room, forcing hundreds of desperate travellers to risk their lives by riding on the rooftops.

"I had an advance ticket, but there was no comfort even in my seat. People were leaning over my head and shoulders throughout the journey," said Shahid Hossain, who returned from Chattogram on the Mohanagar Provati Express.

Passengers like Arif Hossain, who arrived from Kishoreganj, questioned the railway's management.

"The rule is to issue standing tickets for only 25 percent of the total seats. How did twice the number of seated passengers manage to board?" he asked.

The crisis was compounded by the scarcity of fuel, which reduced the number of available buses on highways, pushing more people toward the railway. This surge in volume led to significant operational delays.

Assistant Commercial Officer at Kamalapur Mohammad Aminul Haq confirmed that 32 trains had reached the capital by 4pm on Saturday, though many, including the Chattala, Kalni, and Silk City Express, arrived significantly behind schedule.

"The train felt like a local service today," complained Zaman Talukder, a passenger on the Chattala Express.

"It took an extra hour just because of the time lost during the chaotic boarding and disembarking of such a massive crowd."

Despite the visible suffering of commuters, station officials maintained that Saturday saw the highest volume of returnees since the Eid break began.

"While the pressure was immense, passengers have reached their destinations safely," said Aminul.