Special Chapainawabganj-Dhaka cattle train service kicks off

The annual tradition of low-cost transportation of sacrificial animals from Chapainawabganj to Dhaka by train, in anticipation of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, commenced on Saturday evening.

The train service embarked for Dhaka's Tejgaon from the district, having been inaugurated by local lawmaker Abdul Wadud at Chapainawabganj Rail Station at 6:45pm.

This year, the first shipment to Dhaka included 40 cows and six goats, facilitated by the addition of three extra wagons to the existing mango special train, rather than a separate cattle special train.

Chapainawabganj Railway Station Master Md Obaidullah said the additional wagons on the Mango special train will transport sacrificial animals from the district to the capital daily.

Each wagon can accommodate 20 cows, priced at Tk11,830, he said adding that the fare for transporting a cow separately is fixed at Tk592.

Dhaka Tribune

The special service will operate from Saturday to Monday, Obaidullah confirmed.

Keeping up with the precedent from last year, Shahidul Islam Himel once again chose to transport his cattle by train this year.

"The train offers numerous benefits for transporting cattle. It presents fewer hazards compared to truck transportation, which can result in accidents and potentially injure the cattle," he said.

He also highlighted the efficiency of the train service, saying that: "The train is faster, reaching its destination in significantly less time. Even the fare is much lower - you can transport cattle at just a third of the cost compared to using a truck."

Farmer Munzer Alam Manik appreciated the government's initiative but urged an extension of the train service duration.

Tarikul Islam, another farmer, said they raise cattle all year round, hoping for a profitable return.

“However, when we transport these animals by truck, they can become sick or injured, which lowers their value and leads to financial losses for us," he said.

Tarikul emphasized the benefits of rail transport, explaining: "With train transportation, we do not face such issues. The animals remain in good health and maintain their strength."

The special service was first launched on the Chapainawabganj-Rajshahi-Dhaka (Tejgaon) route on July 17 in 2021 to transport sacrificial animals at a low cost considering the Covid-19 situation.