CHANDPUR, Mar 2: The train passengers of Chandpur-Laksham. Chandpur-Chittagong. Chandpur-Sylhet. Chandpur-Hajigonj sections are facing immense sufferings due to irregular train services, unhealthy conditions of railway stations and negligence of railway staffers.

Most of the trains run in these routes irregularly. According to passengers, the number of trains as well as compartments are inadequte. Small number of compartments in each train can not cope with heavy rush of passengers. Sometimes trains run without first and second class compartments creating great inconvenience to upper class passengers.

The number of passengers travelling without tickets have increased recently. It has been causing sufferings to the geuine

passengers. Scores of beggars and toll collectors have been creating problems to the passengers.

Most of the compartments are not kept clean. Sometimes water and light are not available in the toilets. Doors of many toilets are found broken. Sometimes compartments have no electricity and fans. In most railway stations there is no waiting room for upper class pasengers. Toilets in the stations are dirty. Those are not cleaned regularly. Waiting rooms in most of the stations have not proper sitting arrangements. Sometimes waiting rooms are found locked.

The trains do not maintain time table. The arrival and departure of trains are often late by two to three hours. As a result the passengers particularly those who attend schools, colleges and offices are worst suf-

ferers. It is alleged that some corrupt raiwlay employees are allowing passengers to travel without tickets.

It is also alleged, booking counters start functioning just a few minutes before the arrival of trains. As a result many passengers fail to purchase tickets on time. The inter-city train sendee between Chandpur and Chittagong runs with heavy crowd everyday. Passengers even cannot pruchase tickets two or three days; earlier. Tickets are sold in black market.

Many raiwlay lands in Kalibari Court Stations and many other stations are being grabbed by unauthorised persons. It is alleged many railway lands are leased out illegally. Many shops, hotels and restaurants are being constructed in railway stations causing inconvenience to passengers. '•i