New intercity train on Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route to be launched: State Minister

A new pair of intercity trains will be launched on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route this August to meet passenger demand and improve service quality, said Railway State Minister Habibur Rashid . He also announced that a private entity will be given the full responsibility of managing the country's modern Cox's Bazar Iconic Railway Station.

The State Minister made the remarks during a visit to the Cox's Bazar Iconic Railway Station on Saturday (August 1) .

Speaking to journalists during the visit, he said, "The number of passengers and tourists is increasing daily in the tourist city of Cox's Bazar. In line with that demand, the government has taken initiatives to expand rail connectivity and modernise passenger services." The new train, he said, would reduce long-standing passenger suffering and ease ticketing pressure, making travel on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route easier, more comfortable and time-efficient .

Regarding the future plans and management of the iconic station, the State Minister said there is a plan to develop it not just as a regular railway station, but as an international-standard, tourist-friendly rail hub. To this end, a process is underway to engage a private entity in its full-scale operation .

During the visit, State Minister Habibur Rashid inspected various parts of the iconic station and inquired about the overall passenger service, infrastructure, cleanliness, security and ongoing activities. He later held a meeting with railway officials and instructed them to ensure the station is fully developed and international-standard services are provided as soon as possible.

Lawmaker for Cox's Bazar Sadar constituency, Lutfur Rahman Kajol, senior railway officials and officials of the Cox's Bazar Iconic Railway Station were present on the occasion .