In an effort to enhance connectivity in the western region, Bangladesh Railway is set to launch two new intercity trains on the Dhaka-Pabna and Dhaka-Khulna routes. This initiative comes as the railway authority prepares to add around 200 new passenger coaches to its fleet this month, aiming to improve travel for passengers and address the longstanding shortage of coaches.
The new trains are expected to significantly improve connectivity and ease travel for passengers traveling in the western region. This move follows the opening of several new railway routes in recent years, including the Jamuna Bridge-Pabna line in 2018, the Dhaka-Padma Bridge route in 2022, and the Khulna-Mongla route in 2024.
However, the lack of sufficient coaches had previously hindered the introduction of adequate train services on these routes. With the addition of the new coaches, the Ministry of Railways plans to not only launch the new intercity trains but also consider introducing a commuter train on the Dhaka-Gopalganj route and extending the Dhaka-Khulna service to Mongla.
Farid Ahmed, the General Manager of Western Railway, confirmed that a proposal is being prepared to initially launch the two new intercity trains on the Dhaka-Pabna and Dhaka-Khulna routes. He also mentioned that initiatives are underway to reopen closed stations and resume suspended train services by recruiting new staff and appointing station masters on a contractual basis.
The new trains are part of a broader effort to improve railway services across the country. This initiative is expected to not only benefit passengers in the western region but also contribute to the overall economic and social development of Bangladesh by enhancing connectivity and facilitating easier travel.
