Eid Rush Swells at Kamalapur Station

The flow of homebound passengers has intensified at Kamalapur Railway Station as Eid-ul-Azha approaches, with thousands leaving the capital each day to celebrate the festival with their families. From the early hours of the morning, the station has been witnessing dense crowds of travellers carrying luggage, children, and the anticipation of returning home after long periods of work in the city.

Passengers are travelling in large numbers towards various parts of the country, including the southern districts, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Despite the heavy rush, many travellers reported a sense of relief and satisfaction at finally beginning their journeys home. The festive atmosphere was evident, particularly among families and children, who appeared visibly excited about reuniting with relatives.

A passenger on the Sundarban Express, Ziaur Islam, described his experience as comfortable so far. He said the journey felt smooth and pleasant, adding that travelling by train during Eid was far more convenient than road transport.

Another passenger, Ashraful Islam, travelling to Chuadanga, highlighted the difficulties of road travel during the festive season. He noted that long traffic congestion on highways often causes severe delays, making train travel a safer and more reliable alternative. He also mentioned that he had purchased his ticket online in advance, which helped him avoid last-minute uncertainty despite the heavy passenger load.

However, the demand for commuter train tickets continues to exceed supply. Long queues at station counters have become a regular feature, especially during holiday periods. Due to the absence of sufficient advance ticketing facilities, ticket sales typically begin only a few hours before departure, forcing passengers to arrive early in order to secure seats.

According to railway officials, the current system allocates only one confirmed seat for every three tickets issued. The remaining two passengers are classified as standing travellers, meaning they must complete their journey without seating accommodation. This arrangement has long been a source of discomfort and criticism among regular commuters.

Bangladesh Railway has also introduced a phased ticketing schedule for return journeys during Eid. Tickets for different travel dates are being released in advance through online platforms to manage the seasonal surge in demand.

Eid Return Ticket Schedule

Officials have stated that this staggered system is designed to reduce pressure on ticket counters and encourage more passengers to use online booking facilities. Despite these efforts, overcrowding and ticket shortages remain persistent challenges during peak Eid travel periods.

As the festival draws nearer, the capital continues to empty gradually, with rail stations remaining one of the busiest transit points in the country. The situation reflects both the scale of seasonal migration and the ongoing pressure on Bangladesh’s passenger rail infrastructure.