Bangladesh Railways is set to launch two new intercity trains on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route, starting from February 1.
The trains, named Saikat Express and Prabal Express, will provide enhanced connectivity between the port city and the popular coastal destination.
The announcement came after a directive from Bangladesh Railways, which instructed the allocation of necessary resources including locomotives, coaches, and manpower. Both trains will have a total of 743 seats and are expected to accommodate a large number of passengers, catering to both regular commuters and tourists.
The Saikat Express will depart from Chattogram at 6:15 AM and reach Cox's Bazar at 9:55 AM. The Prabal Express will leave Chattogram later in the day, at 3:10 PM, and is expected to arrive in Cox's Bazar by 7:00 PM. On the return trip, the Prabal Express will depart from Cox's Bazar at 10:35 AM, arriving in Chattogram at 2:25 PM. Meanwhile, the Saikat Express will leave Cox's Bazar at 8:15 PM, arriving back in Chattogram at 11:50 PM.
Both trains will make several stops along the way. The Saikat Express will stop at Sholoshahar, Janalihat, Patiya, Dohazari, Satkania, Chakaria, Dulahazara, and Ramu. The Prabal Express will have stops at ten stations, including Sholoshahar, Gomdandi, Patiya, Dohazari, Satkania, Lohagara, Chakaria, Dulahazara, Islamabad, and Ramu.
Operating six days a week, the trains will have Monday as their weekly off day. According to ABM Kamruzzaman, the divisional railway manager of Chattogram, these intercity trains will offer first-class facilities, making them a desirable choice for both tourists visiting Cox's Bazar and daily travelers between the two cities.
At present, a special train is in operation on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route, but these new services are expected to further improve travel options for passengers.
