The Consumers Association of Bangladesh Chattogram on Monday called for the regularisation of the special train service on the Chattogram-Cox鈥檚 Bazar route to benefit passengers and businesses.
In a press release, CAB鈥檚 Chattogram division and city committee questioned that why a special service was being operated instead of a permanent train on this popular route.
In November 2023, prime minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the 101-kilometre rail line from Chattogram鈥檚 Dohazari to Cox鈥檚 Bazar, constructed at a cost of about Tk 18,000 crore.
On April 8, the Bangladesh railway launched a special train service on the Chattogram-Cox鈥檚 Bazar route for Eid-ul-Fitr.
CAB leaders and activists noted that the train service had become popular since its inauguration, connecting the port city with the tourist destination of Cox鈥檚 Bazar.
Mentioning the recent launch of two intercity trains on the Dhaka-Cox鈥檚 Bazar route, they alleged that only 115 seats were allocated in these trains for passengers, traveling from Chattogram to Cox鈥檚 Bazar.
They argued that this allocation neglected the people of Chattogram and that a regular train service on the Chattogram-Cox鈥檚 Bazar route was necessary to meet the demand.
They also warned that a stern movement would be formed if their demand was not met.
Initially, the special train service on the Chittagong-Cox鈥檚 Bazar route was extended until June 10 but was stopped on May 30 due to a shortage of locomotives, amid heavy criticism from passengers and rights organisations.
Later, the service was resumed on June 12 for Eid-ul-Azha and scheduled to be closed from Sunday.
However, in response to demands for regular service, the railway authorities decided to extend the service until July 24.
On May 9, the Chattogram divisional railway manager proposed to the Bangladesh railway鈥檚 east zone headquarters to make the special train a regular service, operating twice a day.
The manager also highlighted the train鈥檚 financial success, generating revenue of Tk 51,25,362 in just 25 days (excluding three days when the train was not operational) from April 8 to May 5.
