Public transport to get adequate fuel from March 15: Rabiul Alam

Adequate fuel supply for public transport will be ensured from March 15, and oil prices will not be increased, Road Transport and Bridges, Railway and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has announced.

He said the Energy Minister has assured him on this matter. Therefore, there is no fear of public transport fares increasing due to fuel, and there is also no possibility of a transport crisis due to fuel shortage.

The minister made these remarks while visiting the main railway station in Dhaka on the first day of Eid journey train travel on Friday.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the Prime Minister has instructed to modernise and make rail communication people-friendly so that people can travel long distances comfortably in less time. With that goal in mind, the government is working to bring about radical changes in the rail communication system.

Regarding the challenge of Eid travel, the minister said approximately 1.25 crore to 1.5 crore people leave Dhaka within just two to three days, which is seen in very few cities in the world. Although managing travel for so many people in such a short time is a major challenge, the government is trying its utmost to tackle it.

The minister said there are plans to add new coaches, buses and vessels to increase the capacity of the country's transport system. At the same time, the government is focusing on bringing discipline to bus management.

Regarding train schedules, the railway minister said at least 85 to 87 locomotives are needed to avoid major schedule disruptions. Currently, 78 locomotives have been deployed, and with a few more added within the next two days, the situation will become more normal.

Regarding security, he informed that along with railway police, regular police, highway police, naval police and law enforcement agencies from various districts are working together to ensure hassle-free Eid travel. Additionally, Ansar members have also been assigned duties. Volunteers wearing special jackets have been deployed to maintain discipline, and they will be stationed approximately every 400 metres.