Eastern region rail hikes fares on 6 routes from Dec 20

Bangladesh Railway’s Eastern Region will increase fares on six routes starting December 20. The revised fares range from BDT 5 to BDT 226 and will apply to both regular and advance ticket purchases.

The fare adjustment affects routes in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Mymensingh divisions, including Dhaka–Chattogram, Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar, Dhaka–Sylhet, Chattogram–Sylhet, Chattogram–Jamalpur, and Dhaka–Dewanganj. Eleven bridges along these routes will now incur a “pontage charge,” a fee for using bridges, culverts, or overpasses—the first revision since 1982.

Eastern Region Chief Commercial Manager Mahbubur Rahman said the increase reflects rising maintenance costs for bridges longer than 100 meters.

Deputy Chief Operating Superintendent Tarek Imran added that new bridge construction and expansion of existing bridges necessitated the charge revision.

Key fare changes include:
Dhaka–Chattogram: Sonar Bangla Express Snigdha from BDT 855 → 943; First Class from BDT 1,025 → 1,133; AC Seat from BDT 1,590 → 1,746.

Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar: Snigdha from BDT 1,322 → 1,449; AC Seat BDT 1,590 → 1,740; AC Berth BDT 2,430 → 2,656.

Dhaka–Sylhet: Snigdha BDT 719 → 788; AC Seat BDT 863 → 943; AC Berth BDT 1,338 → 1,465.

Chattogram–Sylhet: Snigdha BDT 857 → 909; First Class BDT 1,137; AC Seat BDT 1,087; AC Berth BDT 1,591 → 1,678.

Chattogram–Jamalpur: Shobhon Chair BDT 525 → 545; Snigdha BDT 1,017 → 1,041; AC Seat BDT 1,254; AC Berth BDT 1,925.

Dhaka–Dewanganj: Shobhon Chair BDT 250 → 255; Snigdha BDT 478 → 489; AC Seat BDT 587; AC Berth BDT 924.