Today marked the official start of train service between Khulna and Dhaka via the Padma Bridge.
The Jahanabad Express’s first trip left Khulna Railway Station at 6:00 am and was scheduled to arrive at Dhaka Railway Station at 9:45 am.
A significant milestone in Bangladesh’s rail connectivity, the new service is expected to drastically cut down on travel time between Khulna and Dhaka as part of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project.
The service was inaugurated by Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Railways, who attended an official ceremony at Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka.
Train travel in the area is now quicker and more effective thanks to the opening of two passenger trains: the Ruposhi Bangla Express (Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole) and the Jahanabad Express (Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna).
The new route via the Padma Bridge will reduce travel time to just under four hours, according to the Ministry of Railways.
Compared to the current travel times of 9 hours 30 minutes from Dhaka to Khulna via Tangail and Ishwardi and 7 hours 35 minutes to Benapole via Rajbari, travelers said this was a major improvement.
Train Timetables
At 6:00 am, the Jahanabad Express (Train No. 825) leaves Khulna and reaches Dhaka at 9:45 am. Train No. 826 leaves Dhaka at 8:00 p.m. and arrives in Khulna at 11:40 p.m. on its way back. Noapara, Singia Junction, Lohagora, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction are among the stations it stops at along the route.
Likewise, at 10:45 a.m., the Ruposhi Bangla Express (Train no. 828) leaves Dhaka and arrives in Benapole at 2:30 p.m. Train No. 827 returns to Dhaka at 7:10 p.m., having left Benapole at 3:30 p.m. and stopped at Jashore Junction, Narail, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.
With 12 coaches each, both trains can carry 768 passengers.
Advance tickets have been available online and at specific station counters since Saturday, December 21.
With a weekly break on Mondays, the trains will run six days a week.
Encouragement of regional travel.
This service’s launch marks the beginning of a new era for rail travel in Bangladesh by providing travelers with a quicker and more comfortable option for lengthy trips. It is anticipated that the new trains will improve trade and tourism between Dhaka, Khulna, Benapole, and the surrounding areas while also improving connectivity and lowering travel expenses.
