Special train between Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar stops running

Coxs Bazar Rainway Station

The Bangladesh Railway authorities are stopping the special train running from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar. The train will no longer run from Thursday, May 30 though it was supposed to run till June 10.

This matter has been informed in an emergency notification signed by Kamal Akhtar Hossain, Assistant Chief Operating Officer (ACOPS) of Eastern Railway.

It is said in the notification, from the office of the Director General of Railways, instructions were given to run Cox's Bazar Special 3 and 4 trains till June 10. But from the mechanical department it has been informed that there is a shortage of engines and locomasters. For this reason Cox's Bazar special train will run till Wednesday (May 29). Train services were canceled from Thursday (May 30) to June 10.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the new railway line from Chittagong's Dohazari to Cox's Bazar on November 11 last year. Then the train service officially started from Dhaka on December 1 last year.

On January 10 this year, the Railways launched another train called Tourist Express. In each of the two trains on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route, 115 seats are allocated for the Chittagong station. Although two consecutive trains were started from Dhaka, no train was given from Chittagong. The people of Chittagong region were angry with such a decision of Railways.

Railway authorities have decided to run special trains on the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar route on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr due to the demands of local residents and civil society. This train started running on April 8. This train became popular after its launch. Due to the pressure of the passengers, the timing of the special train was extended in two phases till June 10. However, the railway authorities have decided not to extend the time again.

General Secretary of Chittagong-Dohazari-Cox's Bazar Railway Passenger Welfare Council. Abu Saeed Talukder said, "This train is supposed to run till June 10. Besides making it permanent, the railway officials have assured to give another new train. But instead of doing so, the special train has been stopped. Because of this, the people of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar will be deprived of the opportunity to travel by train. Such a decision of Railways is very disappointing and sad, he said.