Railways to run 28 spl trains for Ijtema
STAFF REPORTER
The Bangladesh Railway (BR) will run 28 special trains for devotees willing to attend Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of Muslims worldwide, which will be held in two phases from January 8 to 10 and January 15 to 17 on the banks of the Turag at Tongi. Besides, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has decided to run 228 special buses in two phases from January 6 to 19 to ferry the devotees.
Weve suspended some train services to ensure smooth journey for the devotees, while some others will be operated regularly without any break. Also, every intercity train has been asked to give a two-minute break, railway minister Md Mujibul Huq told reporters at a press briefing at Rail Bhaban yesterday.
In addition, a total of 20 coaches will be added to the trains, he said. He also said one special train from Laksam and another from Akhaura to Tongi will also run on these days. Two special trains from Jamalpur and two from Akhaura will also run before the start of Akheri Munajat (final prayer) in the first phase of Biswa Ijtema. On the day of Akheri Munajat, seven special trains will run from Dhaka to Tongi. Besides, 21 special trains will stop at Tongi on that day, the minister added.
The BRTC will provide at least 228 buses to carry the devotees to the Ijtema yard from different corners of the country and again return them to their homes.
According to the BRTC, 29 buses will ply from Motijheel to Abdullahpur, 13 buses from Shibbari to Motijheel, 17 buses from Tongi to Motijheel, six buses from Gazipur Chowrasta to Motijheel, five buses from Gabtali to Gazipur, 35 buses from Gabtali to Mohakhali, 25 buses from Gazipur to Motijheel and 20 buses from Motijheel to Baipail.
