Thousands of people have begun leaving the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, creating a significant rush at Kamalapur Railway Station.
Although the official Eid holiday starts on Thursday, June 5, crowds of homebound travelers have already started gathering at the station since Wednesday morning.
Authorities have enforced strict access control at the station, allowing only ticketed passengers to enter.
This measure aims to ensure smooth operations and enhance security amid the high travel demand.
Passengers without tickets are being turned away at the gates, with officials advising them to purchase standing tickets if necessary.
By mid-morning, crowds had already formed at the station`s entry points and platforms, with most trains reportedly departing on schedule.
Security presence has been heightened with the deployment of additional members of the Railway Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Security procedures include baggage checks, metal detector screenings, and routine questioning of suspicious individuals. Surveillance around the station has also been increased.
Passengers have expressed both relief and frustration. One traveler from Mirpur mentioned the challenges of navigating the crowd with children, but emphasized the importance of reaching home in time for the festival.
Standing ticket counters saw heavy demand, with many travelers opting for standing-room-only tickets after failing to secure seats in advance.
According to railway sources, June 4 to 6 is expected to see the highest passenger pressure.
Authorities have urged travelers to arrive at the station on time and to refrain from attempting entry without valid tickets.
Railway officials confirmed that all trains have departed on time so far and that the flow of passengers has remained orderly.
The Eid holiday travel season includes 43 intercity trains operating daily across the country, with a total of approximately 33,315 seats.
Additionally, 25% of each train’s capacity is being sold as standing tickets at station counters, and 10 special trains have been launched to accommodate the rush. These special services began operations on June 4.
