Train fares raised by up to Tk 226 on six major routes

Bangladesh Railway has increased train fares by up to Tk 226 on six key routes, including Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar, with the revised rates coming into effect on Saturday, December 20.

Railway officials said the hike has been imposed in the form of a “pontage charge” to cover the maintenance costs of railway bridges, rather than through an increase in base ticket prices.

The routes affected by the additional charge are Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar, Dhaka-Sylhet, Chattogram-Sylhet, Chattogram-Jamalpur and Dhaka-Dewanganj. A total of 11 bridges on these routes have been brought under the pontage charge, with the amount varying depending on the route and seat class.

On the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route, fares for Snigdha class seats have increased from Tk 1,322 to Tk 1,449, while AC berth tickets now cost Tk 2,656, up from Tk 2,430. On the Dhaka-Chattogram route, Snigdha class fares on the Subarna Express have risen to Tk 943 from Tk 855.

Consumer rights groups have voiced concern over the move, saying repeated indirect fare increases are placing additional financial pressure on low-income passengers who depend on train services as an affordable mode of transport.

MRAH/MHK/NMA