Manpower shortage delays launch of Dhaka-Khulna 3.5-hour train service

The much-anticipated Dhaka-Khulna short-duration train service, which is expected to reduce travel time to just 3.5 hours, will not be launched as planned mainly due to a shortage of manpower.

Railway authorities had initially announced that the new service would begin in the first week of December.

Shah Sufi Noor Mohammad, divisional manager of Railway Western Zone, said, "We cannot launch the train right now for two reasons. First, there is a shortage of manpower. Second, there are some technical issues with the new line. However, we expect these issues to be fixed within a week."

On 24 November, the railway conducted a trial run on the new route. The Sundarban Express left Dhaka at 9:10am and arrived at Khulna Railway Station at 12:40pm.

Railways Ministry Secretary Abdul Baki, who was on board the train, said the people of Khulna and Jashore have been waiting for this new route for a long time. "Their wait will soon be over, as train services are expected to start in the first week of December."

Currently, three trains operate on the Khulna-Dhaka route—the Sundarban Express, Chitra Express, and Nakshikantha Express mail train.

The Sundarban Express takes about 8 hours, covering 376km. The Chitra Express takes 10 hours via the Jamuna Bridge, while Nakshikantha takes about 8 hours for freight transport.

The new route will shorten the journey to just 3.5 hours, covering 208 km and passing through Jashore, Narail, Modhumoti Bridge, Gopalganj, Bhanga, and the Padma Bridge.

Khulna Railway Station Master Masud Rana said, "Passenger demand on the Dhaka-Khulna route is always high. If the new route, taking just 3.5 hours, starts operating, it will save passengers a lot of time and hassle. If three trains run regularly, it will greatly benefit people."

Railway Western Zone Manager Md Mamunul Haque said, "There is high nationwide demand for train services, making immediate changes difficult. Therefore, the Sundarban and Chitra Express trains will continue as usual.

"However, I'm hopeful that we can soon add more trains on the new route. We are also working on establishing rail connectivity between Mongla Port and Dhaka."