PM flags off Benapole Express

Benapole Express, a new intercity train to ply between capital Dhaka and country’s largest land port at Benapole, started its journey today, reports BSS.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina flagged off the ‘Benapole Express’ train through a videoconference from her official Ganabhaban residence here this morning.

Through the same function, she also inaugurated the extension of Dhaka-Rajshahi non-stop intercity ‘Bonolata Express’ train service to Chapainawabganj.

Earlier, Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the service on April 25 last to boost rail connectivity with the northern districts.

Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon and ADB Country Director Manmohan Prakash also spoke at the function while Secretary of the Ministry Mofazzal Hossain made a power point presentation on the overall development of the sector.

Later, the prime minister talked to the cross section of people including public representatives, guardians, students, officials, passengers of Benapole and Chapainawabganj through the videoconference.

The Benapole Express train with 896 seats in 12 compartments will travel between Benapole and Dhaka every day with stopovers in Ishwardi, Jashore and Dhaka Airport stations.

The train will leave Benapole at 11.30am and reach Dhaka at 7pm, while it will depart Dhaka for Beanpole at 12.30am and reach the destination at 8 am, officials said.

The train’s ticket price has been fixed at Taka 500 for Shovan chair, Taka 1,000 for air conditioned seat and Taka 1,200 for air conditioned cabin.

The coaches of the train were procured from Indonesia and already have gone for trial.

People will be able to avail the train service during their coming Eid journey.