Bangladesh witnessed a historic moment today (Dec 24) as the much-anticipated train service connecting Khulna and Dhaka via the Padma Bridge officially commenced operations.
The Jahanabad Express began its maiden journey from Khulna Railway Station at 6:00 am, aiming to reach Dhaka Railway Station by 9:45 am.
Passengers expressed their excitement, eager to be part of this historic milestone in Bangladesh’s railway history, Banglanews Correspondent reports..
Bangladesh Railway Director General Afzal Hossain officially launched the service in Khulna.
Addressing journalists during the inauguration, he said, “For the first time, the Jehanabad Express has begun its journey from Khulna to Dhaka. We plan to increase the number of trains on this route in phases, which may take around six months.”
According to railway sources, the official inauguration of train services on the Dhaka-Khulna-Dhaka and Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole routes took place at Dhaka Railway Station (Kamalapur) today.
Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Railways, inaugurated the service.
The new service introduces two passenger trains: The Jahanabad Express (Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna) and the Ruposhi Bangla Express (Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole), both designed to offer faster, smoother, and more reliable travel experiences.
This rail route through the Padma Bridge is a game-changer, reducing the Dhaka-Khulna journey to under four hours—a remarkable improvement over the previous 9-hour, 30-minute duration via Tangail and Ishwardi. Likewise, the Dhaka-Benapole route now takes just 3 hours and 45 minutes compared to the earlier 7-hour, 35-minute journey through Rajbari.
The Jahanabad Express (Train No. 825) departs Khulna daily at 6:00 am, reaching Dhaka by 9:45 am. Its return journey, Train No. 826, leaves Dhaka at 8:00 pm and arrives in Khulna at 11:40 pm. En route, it halts at Noapara, Singia Junction, Lohagora, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.
The Ruposhi Bangla Express (Train No. 828) departs Dhaka at 10:45 am, arriving at Benapole by 2:30 pm. Its return journey, Train No. 827, departs Benapole at 3:30 pm and reaches Dhaka by 7:10 pm, stopping at Jashore Junction, Narail, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.
Both trains boast 12 modern coaches, accommodating up to 768 passengers, ensuring a comfortable travel experience. Tickets are available online and at station counters, with operations running six days a week, except Mondays.
BDST: 0955 HRS, DEC 24, 2024
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