A special parcel train is operating on the Panchagarh-Dhaka route to facilitate transportation of agricultural goods produced by farmers during the ongoing lockdown.
Deputy Commissioner of Panchagarh Sabina Yasmin formally inaugurated the operation at the Bir Muktijoddha Sirajul Islam Railway Station on Monday.
The train officially began its journey on Wednesday.
On the day, a total of three tonnes of vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, bottle gourds, beans, and pumpkins produced in Panchagarh and Thakurgaon will be carried across the country including the capital.
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Thakurgaon Railway Station Master Akter Hossain said: “The train will start from Panchagarh at 1pm three days a week on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday. It should reach Dhaka around 3am.”
“Four wagons each can contain 40 tonnes of goods,” he added.
The state-run transport service is giving 25% concession on hire and revokes all other charges for transporting vegetables, local fruits, and other farm products.
Transportation of each kilogram costs Tk1.56 now, while the regular rent is Tk2.02.
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“Bangladesh Railway (BR) began the operation of this special parcel train to ensure smooth supply of vegetables throughout the country,” said Shah Sufi Nur Mohammad, Lalmonirhat divisional manager of Bangladesh Railway.
Earlier, Bangladesh Railway decided to operate eight special parcel trains on different routes to transport agricultural goods and other products during the countrywide lockdown to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.
