As the holy Eid-ul-Adha approaches, the residents of the capital have begun their exodus to celebrate with loved ones. The most vivid reflection of this homebound journey is currently visible at Kamalapur Railway Station, one of the primary gateways to the city.
On Friday afternoon, the station was a theatre of familiar, emotionally charged scenes.
The platforms were packed with crowds, punctuated by incessant loudspeaker announcements, the rhythmic thud of busy footsteps, and the unmistakable glow of excitement in the eyes of travellers.
Amidst the bustle, a single, invisible urge prevailed, the need to reach home as soon as possible.
The influx of passengers began early in the morning. Some carried large trunks, others carried backpacks or food packets, while some cradled sleeping children. Many clutched umbrellas, as a sudden rain shower swept through the area shortly after Friday morning.
On the platform floors, passengers were seen spread out on newspapers, while others occupied every available seat.
The atmosphere shifted instantly whenever an announcement crackled over the speakers: “Nokshikantha Express arriving at the platform,” or “Silk City Express departing.” Bags were hoisted onto shoulders, parents tightened their grip on children’s hands, and many could be heard saying a final word into their mobile phones, “I’ve made it on; I’m starting now.”
On Platform 6, Habibul Bashar, a private-sector employee, stood with a trolley bag and a perspiring brow. Despite the exhaustion, he wore a satisfied smile as he prepared to travel with his family.
“We are heading home. I sent the children ahead once their school closed, and now we are following. If we wait, the crowds will only get worse,” he explained.
This trend of leaving Dhaka several days before Eid is particularly noticeable this year. Passengers noted that they are departing early to avoid the anticipated traffic congestion, last-minute pressure, and potential ticket shortages.
Hafizul Islam, a university student, arrived at Kamalapur straight from his dormitory, destined for Rajshahi. Waiting for his train, he remarked with a smile, “There are still a few days left until Eid, but the crowd is relatively light now. If I wait, the suffering will be much greater.”
Nearby, the Nokshikantha Express stood ready for its journey to Khulna, while the Agnibeena Express awaited passengers bound for Tarakandi. Elsewhere, travellers boarded the Rajshahi Commuter heading towards Chapainawabganj.
Anika Tahsin, a private university student, had travelled early from Lalbagh to ensure she reached the station on time. “I came early fearing traffic jams on the roads today. I didn’t want to face any trouble later,” she said.
Eid is not just a time for travel; it is a time for logistical planning, especially for employees. As many offices have not yet closed, several people were seen seeing off their families first. Iqbal Hossain, who came to drop off his wife and child, said his own journey would be later.
“My office closes on the 26th. The rush will be immense then, so I’m sending them ahead. I’ll find a way to get home later,” he said.
As the day progressed, the crowds swelled. Both long-distance and local trains saw a heavy rush of homebound people from the early hours.
However, the journey was not without its share of difficulties. At Platform 7, chaos erupted as passengers scrambled to board the Rajshahi-bound Silk City Express.
As the train arrived, pushing and shoving ensued. Those with valid tickets complained about the difficulty of boarding in an orderly fashion. One frustrated passenger remarked, “Everyone wants to go home, but they should at least let those of us with tickets board properly.”
Hafizul Islam also highlighted the issue of delays. “I’ve seen almost every train running about an hour to an hour and a half late. They are arriving late and departing late,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, the railway authorities remain on high alert to maintain order. Members of the Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB), Police, RAB, and Ansar were seen patrolling the station. Security has been tightened, with no one allowed onto the platforms without a ticket, and strict measures have been implemented to deter ticket scalpers and brokers.
Dhaka Railway station master Md Anwar Hossain assured that the authorities are doing their utmost to ensure a smooth journey. “Additional law enforcement personnel are on duty to ensure passenger safety. We hope everyone will enjoy a beautiful Eid journey this time,” he told Times.
Addressing the schedule disruptions, he added, “The slight inconveniences passengers are currently facing will be resolved quickly.”
According to railway sources, comprehensive preparations have been made for safe travel. In addition to approximately 45,000 seated tickets daily, an additional 25 per cent standing tickets are being issued, bringing the total daily ticket capacity to about 70,000.
Starting Saturday, a total of 66 pairs of trains – comprising 43 pairs of intercity trains and 23 pairs of commuter trains – will be in operation. Additionally, 10 Eid Special trains are being run to handle the extra pressure.
To prevent dangerous travel on train roofs, a three-tier security system has been established, with special surveillance at platforms, entry points, and during departures.
