New trains start on Ctg-Cox’s Bazar route 1 Feb
The full schedule of the trains’ operations was published today
At last, two new intercity trains – Saikat Express and Prabal Express – will start operations on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route on 1 February.
A complete schedule for operating the trains was published on Monday (20 January), according to an order signed by Kamal Akhtar Hossain, assistant chief operating officer (eastern zone) of the Bangladesh Railway.
Train schedule
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Each train will consist of 16 coaches, offering 743 seats per train. The introduction of the new train services is expected to ensure a safer and more convenient journey for tourists and local passengers from Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and surrounding areas.
According to the order, Saikat Express will leave Chattogram at 6.15 am and to reach Cox's Bazar at 9.55 am while the Prabal Express will leave from Chattogram at 3.10 pm and reach Cox's Bazar at 7.00 pm.
On the other hand, Prabal Express will leave Cox's Bazar at 10.35 am and will reach Chattogram at 2.15 pm and Saikat Express will leave Cox's Bazar station at 8.15 pm and will reach Chattogram at 11.50 pm.
Both trains will remain closed on Mondays and will stop at major stations en route. Saikat Express will stop at Sholoshahar, Janalihat, Patiya, Dohazari, Satkania, Chakaria, Dulhazra and Ramu.
The Prabal Express will break at Sholoshahar, Gumdandi, Patiya, Dohazari, Satkania, Lohagara, Chakaria, Dulhazra, Islamabad and Ramu.
Although the trains are non-AC, they will feature first-class cabins, first-class chairs, and luxury chairs for passenger comfort.
Meeting Local Demand
ABM Kamruzzaman, Divisional Railway Manager (Chattogram) of the Bangladesh Railway (east), stated that two pairs of intercity trains would operate simultaneously in both directions to meet the growing demand of the local population. Previously, train services on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route were offered on a temporary basis due to shortages of engines, coaches, and manpower.
In December 2023, a direct intercity train service from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar was launched following the inauguration of the 102-kilometer Dohazari-Cox's Bazar rail line, constructed at a cost of Tk15,000 crore.
However, citing shortages of engines, coaches, and manpower, no trains were initially operated from Chattogram. Following public outrage and criticism, two coaches were later allocated for passengers from Chattogram.
Another intercity train was introduced in January, and since April, a special train service has been running between Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.
Revenue and Passenger Statistics
According to railway data, from December 2023 to October 2024, a total of 1,039,293 passengers traveled on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox's Bazar route, generating approximately Tk80 crore in revenue. Of this, Tk72.5 crore was contributed by three key trains.
Notably, the Chattogram - Cox's Bazar special train alone transported 135,662 passengers in less than five and a half months, earning Tk2.43 crore in revenue.
Local residents and tourists have welcomed the introduction of the new trains, expressing satisfaction with the improved connectivity and increased options for travel.
