Dhaka: The much-anticipated train service connecting Dhaka to Benapol via the Padma Bridge is slated to commence operations on December 2, bringing improved connectivity to the region. Officials familiar with the project have expressed optimism about the launch of this new service, which is set to revolutionize travel on the Dhaka-Jashore-Khulna-Benapol route. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Project Director of Padma Rail Link Md Afzal Hossain announced that the Sundarban Express train will depart from Khulna at approximately 6 am on December 2, heading towards Kamalapur. Additionally, the Benapole Express will embark on its journey from Kamalapur to Benapole at around 11 am on the same day. The entire journey from Dhaka to Benapol is expected to take approximately three and a half hours. Md Afzal Hossain elaborated that the newly constructed broad-gauge single-line rail track has been integrated with the existing Khulna-bound rail infrastructure via Rupdia and Singia stations. The government has invested Taka 37,155 crore in constructing the 172-kilometer new railway track, with provisions to upgrade it to a double line from Kamalapur to Rupdia and Singia stations. The significant development follows the successful completion of a two-day inspection by the government inspector of Bangladesh Railway (GIBR) along the line from Bhanga to Jashore. The 172-kilometer broad-gauge single-line from Dhaka to Jashore via the Padma Bridge represents the largest project undertaken by Bangladesh Railway in terms of cost, with over half of the funding provided by China through loan assistance. The Dhaka-Bhanga section of the railway line was inaugurated in October of the previous year, and five trains currently operate on this route. Once fully operational, the new line will reduce the distance between Dhaka and Jashore by 200 kilometers, effectively halving the travel time from the current duration of over eight hours. Furthermore, the line will directly link the nation's two largest seaports, Chattogram and Mon gla, significantly boosting trade and commerce within the country.
