Railway to operate special Dhaka-Cox's Bazar trains on Durga Puja holidays
These trains will run from 10 to 13 October, supplementing the two regular trains already operating on the route
In anticipation of increased demand during the Durga Puja and weekly holidays, the Bangladesh Railway has decided to operate seven additional special passenger trains on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route.
These trains will run from 10 October to 13 October, supplementing the two regular trains already operating on the route. The director general of Bangladesh Railway approved the proposal for the special service on Thursday.
According to railway sources, job holders are set to receive three consecutive days off due to the Durga Puja holidays following the weekend. This coincides with a high passenger demand for travel to the tourist city of Cox's Bazar, which typically surges at the end of the monsoon season and just before winter. Many passengers have already submitted demand letters and applications to railway head offices, including the Railway Building, for tickets on the night train from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar on 10 October, anticipating the extended holiday period.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
In response to this demand, the General Manager of the Railway's Eastern Region submitted a proposal on 1 October to the Director General of Railways, recommending special train services on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar-Dhaka route. On 3 October, Railway Deputy Director (TT) Md Shawkat Jamil Mohsi issued a letter confirming the Director General's approval of the proposal. Following this, the Railway Eastern Transport Branch has formulated a schedule and timetable for the special trains.
"The Bangladesh Railway always considers passenger demand when planning operations. Due to the long holiday, we expect high demand for travel to Cox's Bazar and will operate seven special trains," said Railway's Eastern Zone Chief Commercial Officer Md Mahbubur Rahman.
According to Railway officials, holidays during the Durga Puja and the weekend are expected to lead to a surge in travel to the popular tourist destination, Cox's Bazar. Many passengers have already applied for tickets for the night train departing on 10 October.
Under the plan, the night train will have 518 seats, including seven AC berths, one first-class berth, four AC chair coaches, and several regular seating options. During daytime operations, the seat count will increase to 634 as sleeper coaches will be converted into regular seating. The train will depart from Dhaka at 11pm on 10 October and reach Cox's Bazar by 7:30am the following morning.
Cox's Bazar Express, an intercity service, began operations on 1 December 2023, followed by the launch of the Tourist Express on 1 January 2024. Both trains offer stops in Chattogram and have designated coaches for Chattogram passengers.
