Railway West Zone to Transport Sacrificial Animals to Dhaka

Railway west zone to transport sacrificial animals to Dhaka As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, cattle farmers and traders across the country are preparing to send sacrificial animals to Dhaka in time for the festival. In an effort to support this initiative, the Railway West Zone of Bangladesh has once again introduced a cost-effective solution for cattle transport by train from Chapainawabganj and Rajshahi to Dhaka.

This special transport arrangement will be available from June 24 to June 26, 2025, ensuring that cattle traders, especially small and marginal farmers, can deliver their livestock to the capital in a safe, timely, and economical manner.

While there won’t be a dedicated cattle special train, Bangladesh Railway West Zone has made provisions to include cattle transport wagons in its existing mango special trains. These trains will carry both mango consignments and sacrificial animals, maximizing the efficiency of railway logistics during the busy Eid season.

According to Asim Kumar Talukder, General Manager of the West Zone, this initiative marks the third consecutive year of offering cattle transport services to meet rising demand during Eid-ul-Adha.

The special mango-cattle train will depart from Rohanpur railway station at 4 PM daily from June 24 to 26. It will make scheduled halts at six important stations, including:

• Chapainawabganj
• Kakanhat
• Rajshahi
• Abdulpur
• Ishwardi
• Bangabandhu Bridge West

The train is expected to reach Dhaka in the late night, allowing traders to set up their cattle in urban markets early the next morning.

Transporting 20 cattle from Rajshahi to Dhaka using one broad-gauge wagon will cost a total of Taka 11,830. Here’s how the cost is calculated:

• Per km fare: Taka 20 for a wagon of 20 cattle
• Distance: 343 kilometers from Rajshahi to Dhaka = Taka 6,860
• Surcharge: Taka 1,376
• Terminal fee: Taka 2,574
• Total cost: Taka 11,830

This pricing model is significantly more affordable than road transport and offers a stable and secure way to deliver livestock without stress or overheating.

The Bangladesh Railway West Zone launched this initiative after consultations with stakeholders, including local cattle farmers, livestock traders, and transport unions. The aim is to promote sustainable, stress-free transportation of sacrificial animals by ensuring the following:

• Cost-effective pricing
• Safe and hygienic travel conditions
• Reduced travel stress for cattle due to night-time operations
• Ample air ventilation inside covered wagons
• Joint travel facilities for traders and animals

By enabling farmers from remote western regions to participate in Dhaka’s large cattle markets, this service helps boost their earnings and also keeps the livestock prices balanced for consumers in the capital.

Unlike road transport, which can be risky and uncomfortable for long distances, this rail-based cattle transport ensures better conditions. The covered wagons are designed with windows for air circulation, and night travel helps avoid the scorching summer heat, reducing the risk of heat stress and dehydration among the animals.

Moreover, arrangements are being made to allow traders to accompany their livestock on the same train, ensuring better care and peace of mind during the journey.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering rural communities, enhancing last-mile connectivity, and ensuring equitable market access for all farmers, big or small. With such affordable options, cattle transport from Rajshahi to Dhaka becomes easier, especially during peak demand periods like Eid-ul-Adha.

The Railway West Zone’s cattle transport service offers a timely, affordable, and humane way for farmers and traders to move their sacrificial animals to Dhaka in preparation for Eid-ul-Adha. It not only saves time and money but also ensures animal welfare and boosts rural trade. As Bangladesh continues to modernize its transport infrastructure, initiatives like this are a shining example of inclusive development and innovation in public services.