Train fares are increasing from May 4

Dhaka: For a long time, Bangladesh Railways has been giving a discount (rebate) in the fare for a passenger traveling a distance of more than 100 km. But this discount is being withdrawn from May 4.

As a result, the fare of all types of trains is increasing.

Bangladesh Railway Director General Sardar Shahadat Ali confirmed this information to BanglaNews on Monday (April 22).

He said that train fares will be adjusted by withdrawing concessions from May 4.

In response to a question at what rate the train fares are increasing, the Director General said that it will be decided by the commercial wing of the Railways.

According to a railway source, concessional tax on a passenger is 20 per cent for journeys between 101 and 150 km, 25 per cent for journeys between 251 and 400 km and 30 per cent for journeys above 400 km.

Sources said that if a passenger travels more than 100 km by train from May 4, he will have to pay more fare. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved this proposal of the railways. Which was supposed to be effective from 1st of this month.

Bangladesh Railways has informed in the public notice in this regard, it is hereby informed for public information that in 1992 distance wise and section wise concessions are provided in Bangladesh Railway. In 2012, sectional concessions were abolished, but distance-based concessions remained in force. Recently, Bangladesh Railways has decided to withdraw only the existing distance-based concession without increasing fares on passenger trains. In this context, the decision to withdraw the existing distance-based concession in all types of passenger trains will be implemented from May 4.

Earlier on March 16, Director General of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Shahadat Ali said that the railway fare is increasing.

Railway Minister Zillul Hakeem told the media after the rumors of fare increase that time, there is no plan to increase railway fares.

Earlier in 2012 and 2016, railways had increased the fare. In October 2012, the rent was increased from a minimum of 5 percent to a maximum of 110 percent. Later in February 2016, the railway fare was increased by 7 to 9 percent. After about seven years, in the latter half of 2023, initiatives were taken to increase revenue by imposing pontage charges on various bridges and viaducts of the railways.

Distance based concession facility was introduced in Railways in 1992. Out of this, the sectional concession was withdrawn in 2012. Due to the concessional facility based on distance, fares for passenger and goods transport on long-distance journeys are set at lower rates as compared to distance.

Bangladesh Time: 1444 hours, April 22, 2024
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