Bangladesh Railway (BR) has initiated a series of special trains dedicated to transporting agricultural and essential goods at reduced costs, aiming to support farmers and businesses across the country. The move is part of a government-led effort to stabilize commodity prices and make basic goods more accessible.
The first special train commenced operations from Jashore on October 22, followed by a second from Panchagarh on October 24, and a third launched from Rajshahi on Saturday. According to BR Director General Md. Sardar Shahadat Ali, “These special trains offer farmers and businessmen an affordable way to transport goods nationwide, aligning with government initiatives to maintain reasonable commodity prices.”
Each train has a daily transport capacity of 120 tons, utilizing modern luggage vans for fruits and vegetables, while refrigerated vans allow for frozen goods like fish, meat, and dairy to be shipped. BR has set competitive rates for these services, such as Tk 1.47 per kg from Khulna to Dhaka, Tk 1.35 per kg from Jashore to Dhaka, and Tk 1.18 per kg from Rajshahi to Dhaka.
In a related effort, activists from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement are distributing essentials at fair prices across various districts, enhancing affordability and access to necessary items.
