Dhaka-N'ganj Rail Route
Low income group demand fare hike withdrawal
Commuters of low income group on the Dhaka-Narayanganj rail route urged the authorities concerned to withdraw the increase in train fare and improve railway services.
The fare between Dhaka and Narayanganj was increased from Tk 6 to Tk 9 per person, effective from October 1.
Despite poor services, many Narayanganj residents prefer to travel to the capital on trains due to the increase in bus fares, traffic jams and scarcity of buses.
The train passengers said it was improper for the railway authorities to increase the fair without providing adequate number of trains and compartments and improving the conditions of trains and railway stations.
Abu Zaher, a resident of Pilkuni in Fatullah who regularly travels to the capital by train for business purposes, said despite the problems, the trains along the route are always crowded.
He said the number of passengers on the route is also on the rise and he had never found anyone traveling the route without tickets.
Echoing Abu Zaher, other commuters said they would have readily accepted the train fare hike if the services were improved.
During spot visits to different railway stations, this correspondent found many passengers traveling on rooftops and even on the side of the engine.
Different local political parties and organisations such as Jatri Odhikar Forum, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal and Communist Party of Bangladesh formed human chains in Narayanganj recently protesting the hike and demanding improved services.
On contact, a railway official said the hike is a government decision and only the government can change it. He added that the railway authorities would take steps to reduce the suffering of passengers.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments