Bangladesh Railway authorities have suspended the operation of special parcel trains for agricultural goods on the Chittagong-Dhaka route just three days after its inauguration, due to poor response from traders.
The special parcel train did not leave Chittagong Railway Station at 10:00am as per the schedule on Monday.
Confirming the matter to the Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh Railway (East Zone) General Manager Nasir Uddin Ahmed said the operation of special parcel trains on the Chittagong-Dhaka route had to be suspended due to poor response.
“The railway had incurred losses while operating special parcel trains for three days on the route. They struggled to manage fuel costs for operating the special parcel trains. The operations might resume upon receiving good response from the traders,” said the GM.
On May 1, Bangladesh Railway launched special parcel trains on the Chittagong-Dhaka-Chittagong route to ensure a smooth supply of agricultural goods, vegetables, food, and perishable goods during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The movement of all passenger trains has been suspended since March 25 in an effort to curb the spread of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Freight trains are outside the purview of the restrictions.