CHATTOGRAM, Jan 13: The authorities of Bangladesh Railway have approved the proposal for introduction of two more trains on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route due to pressure of more passengers, according to Bangladesh Railway sources.
Two names for the proposed trains have also been finalised. The names of two train services proposed as Saikat Express and Probal Express.
The service will begin in the next week, sources said.
The authorities of Bangladesh Railway also decided to make the existing special train service permanent to meet growing demand and improve transport options for locals and tourists.
Meanwhile, in this connection, the Eastern Railway Zone had sent a proposal to the authorities of Bangladesh Railway to make the existing special train permanent and further propose to add new services which has been approved on January 9 last.
Currently two pairs of train services namely Cox's Bazar Express and Parjatak Express are running regularly in Dhaka-Cox's Bazar Express. Alongside one pair of special train are running in Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Route on a temporary basis which is proposed to make permanent.
While services initially started from Dhaka, no trains were introduced from Chattogram, sparking outrage among residents of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.
On 8 April this year, during Eid-ul-Fitr, a special train was introduced on the route. It quickly gained popularity but was suspended on May 30.
Under local pressure, the service resumed on June 12 during Eid-ul-Azha and has continued since. To address concerns about potential service interruptions, locals have urged the railway authorities to make the special train permanent.
According to railway sources, the current special train is proposed to be named "Saikat Express," while the new train would be called "Probal Express." Each train will have 16 coaches with a total of 743 seats.
