Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched the first-ever non-stop intercity train service on Dhaka-Rajshahi route.
She opened the service “Bonolota Express” through videoconferencing from her official residence Ganabhaban Thursday morning.
With the launch of the non-stop intercity train service, the prime minister fulfilled the long-cherished demand of the people of Rajshahi region.
The 927-seat modern train started its maiden trip from Rajshahi towards Dhaka around 11:10am, reports UNB.
Now passengers will be able to travel to Rajshahi from Dhaka within 4 hours and 45 minutes, which is over an hour less than the current travel time.
Bonolota Express is the third non-stop intercity train in Bangladesh. Currently, two non-stop trains are plying on Dhaka-Chittagong route.
The high-speed train—which has 12 coaches-- will be running on the 343-kilometre route without any stoppage between Dhaka and Rajshahi.
Now three intercity trains --Silk City Express, Padma Express and Dhumketu Express-- are running daily on the Dhaka-Rajshahi route, having stoppages at 10 to 14 stations.
According to the regular schedule, Bonolota Express will start from Rajshahi at 7am and reach Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka by 11:40am.
It will leave Dhaka at 1:15pm and reach Rajshahi at 6pm.
The train is equipped with some modern facilities like bio-toilet, reclining chairs, Wi-Fi and mobile phone-recharging system for passengers.
Bangladesh Railways procured 50 high-speed and modern coaches from Indonesia for new trains on different routes, including the Rajshahi-Dhaka one.
Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan delivered the congratulatory speech joining the inaugural ceremony from Rajshahi Railways Station. Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzman Liton accompanied by many other dignitaries also attended the function at the Rajshahi end.
Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman conducted the inaugural event at Ganobhaban, while Railways Secretary Md Mofazzel Hossain made a presentation over the non-stop train service as well as the activities and successes of Bangladesh Railways.
