Permanent train service demanded on Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route
![Cox's Bazar train station. File photo: TBS](https://www.tbsnews.net/sites/default/files/styles/big_2/public/images/2024/05/31/cox_train_station.jpg)
The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Chattogram has demanded the replacement of the special train service on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route with a permanent train.
In April of this year, Bangladesh Railway launched a special train service on the route to facilitate tourism in Cox's Bazar. It has been extended on several occasions.
In a statement on Monday, CAB Chattogram leaders asked why the Bangladesh Railway won't convert the temporary service to a permanent one when there is a high demand for the newly introduced route.
At the same time, CAB said the railway authorities have neglected the interest of Chattogram's passengers by allocating them very few seats for the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar direct train service.
The leaders further said due to the lack of a separate train on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route the people of this region are disappointed.
They have expressed dissatisfaction over the government's extension of a new railway line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar, which was constructed at a cost of approximately Tk15,500 crores.
Earlier, a 100-kilometre-long railway line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 11 November of last year, and two intercity trains from Dhaka were launched on 1 December 2022, and on 10 January 2023.
Despite the addition of these new trains, only 115 seats are allocated for passengers travelling from Chattogram station, leaving local residents feeling underserved.
The CAB leaders believe a permanent train will provide a fairer solution for the passengers in the Chattogram region, ensuring better access to railway travel benefits.