Dhaka:Bangladesh Railway has launched a third train pair on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route to cater to the increasing number of tourists visiting the world's longest unbroken sea beach. This new service, initiated on Monday, extends the journey of the Mohanagar Express to the coastal destination.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the extension of the Mohanagar Express was inaugurated by Railways, Road Transport and Bridges, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam at the Dhaka Railway Station in Kamalapur. This addition complements the existing services of the Cox's Bazar Express and the Tourist Express, which have been operating since December 2023.
The inauguration event was attended by notable figures, including State Minister Habibur Rashid, Railways Ministry Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam, and BR Director General Md. Afzal Hossain. The Mohanagar Express will provide stops at 12 stations, including Chattogram, enhancing connectivity along its route. The train’s schedule includes a departure from Dhaka at 830 PM and arrival in Cox's Bazar at 600 AM, with a return journey starting at 900 AM and reaching Dhaka by 630 PM. The service, which takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes in both directions, will not operate on Sundays.
The decision to introduce this additional service aims to meet the surging demand for rail travel and supports the government's commitment to expanding intercity rail networks as part of its election manifesto. Cox's Bazar will serve as the maintenance depot for the new service, ensuring efficient operations.