Train, launch services resume

Train and launch services have resumed today on a limited scale after being suspended more than two months back following the coronavirus outbreak.

A total of eight intercity trains will operate from today and 11 more will begin from June 3.

Subarna Express from Chattogram and Kalni Express from Sylhet have already left for Dhaka,  said Aminul Hoque, station manager of Kamalapur Railway Station.

The first train from Dhaka -- Banalata Express -- would leave the station for Chapainawabganj at 1:30pm, he added.

Bangladesh Railway started selling tickets through online from yesterday noon to avoid health risks.

Photo: Rajib Raihan/Star

Trains operations were suspended on March 24 to halt the quick transmission of Covid-19 in the country.

Meanwhile, launch operations from Sadarghat Terminal to different parts of the country also resumed in the morning.

The first launch left the terminal for Chandpur around 7:15am, said Alamgir Kabir, joint director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) at the terminal.

"We have installed disinfectant tunnels through which passengers have to enter the terminal. Besides we are providing hand sanitiser and marked seats to maintain social distancing," he said.

The presence of passengers is likely to increase in the evening when the Barishal bound launches will leave the terminal.

Launch services were also suspended on March 24, two days before the government shutdown most public and private offices and all public transport to contain the spread of Covid-19.

On Thursday, the government announced that public transport services like bus, launch, and train can be operated on a limited scale, maintaining health safety guidelines.

Bus services will resume from tomorrow.