After a prolonged wait, residents of Cox’s Bazar have finally been granted new intercity train services. On Thursday, January 9, the Ministry of Railways officially approved the introduction of two new intercity trains, named Probal Express and Saikat Express, on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar route. These trains are expected to commence passenger operations within a week.

Previously, the Bangladesh Railway launched a nonstop train on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route on December 1, 2023, followed by another on January 1, 2024, to meet the overwhelming demand for tickets. However, a permanent intercity train from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar had remained an unfulfilled demand. The railway operated a temporary special train during the April 2024 Eid season, which continued running due to public insistence. Despite proposals to convert this temporary service into a permanent intercity train and introduce additional daily trains, approval for these plans faced delays.

On December 11, a proposal was submitted to operate two pairs of intercity trains daily on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar route, named Probal Express and Saikat Express. The Railway Board forwarded the proposal to the Ministry of Railways on December 31. Following deliberations, the Ministry granted approval on January 9 to begin the services promptly.

In an official letter signed by Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Kamrul Hasan, it was noted that the new trains will be operated using existing railway staff. The letter also mentioned temporary approval for catering services on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram route under the Bangladesh Railway’s Marketing Division, as per the Catering Service Management Policy-2020. However, arrangements must be made to initiate an open tender process for catering services soon.

According to Shahidul Islam, Chief Operating Superintendent of the Eastern Railway Zone, the demand for tickets on the newly constructed Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail line has been exceptionally high. While direct trains from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar are available, there was no permanent train service from Chattogram. A temporary special train had been operating, which has now been upgraded to a full-fledged intercity service. He noted that local residents' long-standing demands have been met with the introduction of these trains. Passenger demand will determine future expansions, including additional coaches and improved services for tourists heading to Cox’s Bazar.

Documents reveal that the newly approved trains will operate under the names Saikat Express (821 and 824) and Probal Express (822 and 823). Each train will have a load capacity of 16/32 with PHT-type coaches, accommodating approximately 743 passengers. The train schedules are as follows:

• Train 821 (Saikat Express): Departs Chattogram at 6:15 AM, arrives in Cox’s Bazar at 9:55 AM.
• Train 822 (Probal Express): Departs Cox’s Bazar at 10:35 AM, arrives in Chattogram at 2:15 PM.
• Train 823 (Probal Express): Departs Chattogram at 3:10 PM, arrives in Cox’s Bazar at 7:00 PM.
• Train 824 (Saikat Express): Departs Cox’s Bazar at 8:15 PM, arrives in Chattogram at 11:50 PM.

Railway officials from the transportation and commercial divisions emphasized the high demand for tickets to Cox’s Bazar. While two direct trains operate from Dhaka, there were no direct train services to Cox’s Bazar from other parts of the country. With two trains now running daily between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, travelers from various regions will have more access to the tourist city. Passengers from districts along the Chattogram-Dhaka rail route, such as Chandpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, will now find it more convenient to travel to Chattogram and connect to Cox’s Bazar via these new train services.

This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in Cox’s Bazar, providing improved options for travelers nationwide.