Eid Travel Chaos Persists at Kamalapur Station

On the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr, Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka continued to witness overwhelming crowds as thousands of passengers attempted to return home. The scene mirrored the previous day’s surge, with long queues and throngs of travellers visible from the early morning. Trains heading to Chittagong and Sylhet were particularly overcrowded, highlighting the immense pressure on the railway system during the festive period.

According to railway officials, while trains ran according to the scheduled timetable, passenger numbers far exceeded the official seating capacity. The morning departure of the Mahanagar Express to Chittagong, for example, carried nearly double the number of seated passengers. Many commuters, unable to find space inside, were seen standing in doorways, in connecting corridors, and in some cases, even riding atop the train carriages—a hazardous choice that underscores the intensity of the crowd.

Passengers interviewed at the station reported that some boarded trains without tickets, driven by the urgency to reunite with family. Chittagong-bound traveller Md. Bashir said:

“I tried repeatedly to get a ticket but could not. I could not bear missing Eid with my family, so I took the risk and boarded the train. The crowd is overwhelming, and we have to stand throughout the journey.”

Another commuter, Mohsina Khatun, added:

“Travelling with children has become extremely challenging. Still, to reach home, we had no choice but to brave the crowd. There is some concern for safety, though.”

Kamalapur Station Manager Md. Sajedul Islam noted that passenger traffic during Eid typically surges far above normal levels. He explained that while additional coaches are attached to trains and operations are conducted on schedule, managing the excess volume of travellers remains a major challenge.

“Railway police and volunteer personnel are deployed to ensure passenger safety. We strongly urge travellers to obtain valid tickets and avoid unnecessary risks,” he said.

Key Passenger Figures – Second Day of Eid

Experts anticipate that this surge will continue for the next few days as travellers return home to celebrate the festive occasion. Authorities continue to stress the importance of safety and patience, reminding passengers that overcrowding can be dangerous, particularly for families and children.

Despite the logistical challenges, the railway administration has deployed extra staff and police personnel to manage operations and ensure that the trains continue to run on schedule. Travellers are advised to plan ahead, carry valid tickets, and avoid taking undue risks during the busy festive period.

The Eid exodus illustrates both the enduring popularity of rail travel in Bangladesh and the critical need for enhanced capacity and safety measures during peak festival times.