Buses arranged for stranded passengers on some routes: Railways adviser

Railways Ministry Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the government is open to discuss and address the demands of the protesting train drivers and their associates.

If necessary, the government will take "other steps" to resolve the issue, the adviser made the statement while visiting Kamalapur Railway Station around 10:30am.

Photo: Amran Hossain/Star

He further mentioned that BRTC buses have been arranged for some routes to help passengers with valid train tickets reach their destinations.

In response to a question, the adviser confirmed that some of the staffers' demands had already been met, but the work abstention continued despite the progress.

Photo: Amran Hossain

Till 12:00pm, at least 15 BRTC buses have departed from Kamalapur and Airport stations, transporting stranded train passengers.

Mustakim Bhuiyan, public relations officer of BRTC, told The Daily Star that nine buses have left from the airport station with passengers showing their train tickets, while six buses have departed from Kamalapur, heading to various destinations.

He added that buses are leaving as soon as they are filled.

When asked if passengers without train tickets can travel, he confirmed that anyone can board the buses to their designated destinations by paying the fare.

Train drivers and their support staff began a nationwide indefinite work abstention from early today for special allowance after retirement and other demands.