Government will gradually introduce dedicated coaches for women on all intercity trains after Eid-ul-Azha as part of a broader effort to improve safety and comfort in public transport, Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on Monday.

The announcement came during an event at the Farmgate Metro Rail Station, where the minister formally launched a new fare discount programme for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities.

Under the new railway initiative, women-only coaches have already been introduced on the Sonar Bangla Express and Joyantika Express from Monday. The government now plans to expand the arrangement to every intercity train in phases following the Eid holidays.

“A separate coach for female passengers has been reserved on these two trains from today. After Eid, the facility will gradually be introduced on all intercity services,” the minister said.

He added that the decision was taken following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to ensure safer and more convenient travel for women across the country. According to the minister, the arrangement is expected to become a permanent feature of Bangladesh Railway services in the future.

Rabiul said the government is working to modernise the country’s transport network by making it more inclusive, accessible and citizen-friendly through a series of public welfare measures.

At the same programme, authorities also announced discounted fares for elderly and disabled passengers on both metro rail and railway services.

The Dhaka Metro Rail authority said passengers aged 65 and above, along with people with disabilities, will receive a 25 percent discount on single-trip tickets. Senior citizens will be required to present their National Identity Card, while passengers with disabilities must show the “Subarna” identity card issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare.

Bangladesh Railway officials said elderly passengers will be able to buy discounted tickets online as well as from ticket counters. For online purchases, passenger age will be verified using National Identity Card data. However, regular VAT, service charges and other applicable fees will still apply.

The railway authority also confirmed that the existing 50 percent fare concession for persons with disabilities in Sulav and Shovon classes of intercity trains will remain in place. In addition, a new 25 percent discount has been introduced for all air-conditioned classes.

Transport officials said the measures are aimed at creating a more inclusive and passenger-oriented public transportation system in Bangladesh.