Intercity train stops at Hili for the first time since independence

Ending a long-standing wait, a Dhaka-bound intercity train has made a scheduled stop at Dinajpur's Hili railway station for the first time since Bangladesh's independence.

The landmark service commenced on Sunday (November 15) morning at 8:30 AM with the stoppage of the Dhaka-bound Chilahati Express; which departed from Chilahati.

According to Hili railway station authorities, the Ministry of Railways approved the stoppages for both the Neilsagar Express and the Chilahati Express on October 28, taking into account persistent public demands and the potential for increased passenger revenue. The inauguration of the service sparked a festive atmosphere among local residents.

Erfan Ali, a regular passenger travelling to Dhaka, shared his relief: "I frequently travel to Dhaka. Because intercity trains did not stop at Hili station, I had to travel to the neighboring Birampur upazila to catch a train, often facing immense hardship with my family due to ticket shortages. Now, being able to board a train right from my local station brings a huge sense of relief."

Arman Ali Prodhan, general secretary of the Bangla Hili Bazar Committee, noted that while the vital railway station was established during the British colonial era, no Dhaka-bound intercity train had ever stopped here since independence.

Consequently, passport holders using the Hili land port and immigration checkpost, alongside traders, students, and commuters, were forced to travel to Birampur or Joypurhat's Panchbibi station to catch trains to the capital.

Reza Ahmed Bipul, an importer at the Hili land port, added that the lack of direct intercity train services previously caused both time and financial waste for travelers. The new arrangement establishes direct rail connectivity between the capital and the crucial land port.

Hakimpur Upazila BNP General Secretary Sakhawat Hossain Shilpi observed that the introduction of intercity stoppages will inject fresh momentum into import-export trade, immigration processes, and the local economy.

Hili station master Joyanta Chakraborty confirmed that under railway ministry approval, daytime stoppages for both the Neilsagar and Chilahati expresses have officially begun. For journeys from Hili to Dhaka, five AC and 20 non-AC tickets have been allocated per train, while 30 tickets are earmarked on each inbound train from Dhaka to Hili. All tickets for the inaugural day were completely sold out.

Historically established in 1878, the Hili station facilitated cross-border train operations connecting to destinations such as Siliguri and Darjeeling in India prior to independence. However, after 1971, the station lacked permission for any Dhaka-bound intercity halts. Prior to this new addition, the station only accommodated regional services such as the Rajshahi-bound Barind Express, the Khulna-bound Khulna Mail, and the Rajshahi-Chilahati Titumir Express.

-SA