Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said the long-cherished demand for a direct rail connection between Pabna and Dhaka is set to become a reality in August
He made the disclosure on Saturday following a meeting with government officials and members of civil society at the Pabna Circuit House auditorium.
Officials said the new direct rail service is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the capital and the northwestern district, reducing dependence on road transport and offering passengers a more reliable alternative.
Responding to journalists, the minister said locomotives required for the Dhaka–Pabna route are already in place. He added that new coaches will arrive in July, and the service will be launched in August once preparations are completed.
He also said that two new direct rail routes are planned for introduction in August, with the Dhaka–Pabna service to be launched first, followed by a Dhaka–Khulna route. All necessary preparations for the projects have already been completed, he added.
The minister further said that coordinated efforts with transport owners and workers would be taken to restore discipline in the sector. He stressed that no particular group would be given preferential treatment, and that public interest would remain the top priority. A modern, internationally standardized multi-modal transport system will soon become visible in the country.
Transport experts and local stakeholders said the direct rail link could ease long-standing transport challenges on the Pabna–Dhaka corridor, where passengers currently rely heavily on road transport amid complaints over fare irregularities, overcharging, and alleged syndicate influence.
