Railway plans new train service on Ctg-Cox's Bazar route
The existing special train service will become permanent
Bangladesh Railway plans to introduce an additional train service on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route while at the same time making the existing special train service permanent to meet growing demand and improve transport options for locals and tourists.
The Eastern Railway Zone has sent a proposal to the Director General of Railways, suggesting the permanent operation of the special train and the addition of new service.
Two names for the proposed trains have also been finalised. Owing to a shortage of engines and coaches, uninterrupted intercity train services are unlikely to commence soon, according to Railway authorities.
A new 102-kilometre-long rail track from Dohazari, Chattogram, to Cox's Bazar was constructed at a cost of Tk15,000 crore in December 2023.
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While services initially started from Dhaka, no trains were introduced from Chattogram, sparking indignation among residents of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.
On 8 April this year, during Eid-ul-Fitr, a special train was introduced on the route. It quickly gained popularity but was suspended on 30 May.
Under local pressure, the service resumed on 12 June during Eid-ul-Adha and has continued since.
To address concerns about potential service interruptions, locals have urged the railway authorities to make the special train permanent.
In response, the Eastern Railway Zone has taken steps to regularise the service.
On 11 December, Md Shahidul Islam, chief operating superintendent of the Eastern Zone of Bangladesh Railway, sent a letter to the Railway director general, requesting the permanent operation of the special train on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route because of high demand.
Social, media and political leaders from Cox's Bazar also supported the proposal, which includes adding an additional pair of trains.
According to railway sources, the current special train is proposed to be named "Saikat Express," while the new train would be called "Probal Express." Each train will have 16 coaches with a total of 743 seats.
Under the revised schedule, the first train will leave Chattogram at 6:30am and arrive in Cox's Bazar at 10am, before departing for Chattogram again at 10:20am, arriving in the city by 2:15pm. The second train will leave Chattogram at 2:45 pm, arrive in Cox's Bazar at 6:35pm and then depart at 7pm, reaching Chattogram by 10:30pm.
Both trains will stop at Sholoshohor, Janali Hat, Patiya, Dohazari, Satkania, Chakaria, Dulahazara and Ramu stations along the route.
Demand and revenue growth
Railway officials have observed significant interest in the new rail link, especially among travellers visiting Cox's Bazar, the country's largest beach tourism destination.
On average, 40,000 people travel daily between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar. If even 10,000 of them opt for trains, it could become the most profitable route. Such popularity stems from the route's affordability compared to other modes of transport and the accident-prone nature of the highway.
Since the route's inauguration in December last year, over 1. 39 lakh passengers have travelled on the Cox's Bazar route, generating around Tk80 crore in revenue up to October this year. Of this, around Tk72.5 crore came from regular trains, while the remaining Tk2.43 crore came from the special train, which served over 1.35 lakh passengers.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Md Shahidul Islam, chief operating superintendent of the Eastern Railway Zone, said, "This route is very popular and has a consistent passenger base, which is why we submitted the proposal. Since Chattogram and Cox's Bazar are relatively close, we plan to operate four round trips daily, using a single engine. We are optimistic about receiving a positive decision regarding the proposal."
