New Commuter Train Service Connects Dhaka and Gopalganj

Bangla Press Desk:  Bangladesh Railway has launched a new commuter train service on Dhaka-Gopalganj-Dhaka route to provide affordable travel between the capital and the southwestern district in just over three hours.

However, analysts have questioned the usefulness of the new service, citing its operating schedule, particularly for commuters travelling for work or business.

Named Obhijatri Commuter, the train will leave Dhaka at 3:30pm and reach Gopalganj at 6:45pm, according to the railway schedule. It will depart Gopalganj just 30 minutes later, at 7:15pm, and arrive in Dhaka at 10:25pm.

The analysts noted that the same train currently operates as a Dhaka-Gazipur commuter service in the morning, while its afternoon departure for Gopalganj means it will not serve people who need to travel to Gopalganj after the end of office hours.

The eight-coach train has a seating capacity of 630 passengers and will stop at seven stations along the 148-kilometre route-Keraniganj, Srinagar, Mawa, Bhanga Junction, Nagarkanda, Maheshpur and Kashiani Junction. Its weekly off day is Saturday.

Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping and Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam inaugurated the new service at Kamalapur Railway Station, saying it would enable government and private-sector employees, students, businesspeople and other passengers to travel between Dhaka, Gopalganj and surrounding areas at affordable fares.

He said the service could reduce the tendency of people to permanently migrate to the capital and help ease pressure on Dhaka's housing, traffic congestion and urban services.

Despite limited availability of passenger coaches and locomotives, the government introduced the new commuter service within 180 days of taking charge through efficient management of existing resources, the minister said.

The railway is using the rake of the Gazipur commuter train for the new route because it remains idle at Kamalapur Railway Station after completing its morning trip.