Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping, and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday said three categories of passengers will receive a 25 percent discount on metro rail and long-distance train services.
"They are senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students. However, they must present valid ID cards to avail of the discount," he told journalists after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.
The minister said as Eid is approaching, efforts are being made to introduce the facility before Eid.
Although the possibility of implementing it before the upcoming Eid is somewhat low, it will definitely be ensured before the next Eid-ul-Adha, and of these passengers will be able to travel with a 25 percent ticket discount, he said.
Responding to a question about how discounted tickets would be managed online, since train tickets are sold online, the minister said there will be an option available in the online system.
He said anyone aged over 65 will receive a 25 percent discount upon showing their ID card. Students must show a valid student ID card, and persons with disabilities, who also have specific identification cards, will be eligible for the discount upon presenting those cards, he said.
The minister said although the previous government had worked on projects worth over Taka 100,000 crore in the railway sector, no visible improvement was achieved beyond paperwork.
"We see that there is a shortage of railway engines, trains often do not run properly, and they frequently stop," he said.
Rabiul Alam said the government wants comprehensive development of the railway sector. The speed of currently operating trains will be increased, and existing projects will gain further momentum to reduce travel time, he said.
He said new projects are being undertaken, which will strengthen existing services and make them more people-friendly.
Regarding the upcoming Eid, the minister said efforts are being made to use 85 to 86 locomotives to ensure quality travel for passengers. "BSS
