Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has announced that direct train service between Dhaka and Pabna will begin in August this year.
Speaking to journalists in Pabna on Saturday, the minister said all necessary preparations are progressing and the required locomotive for the new service is already ready.
“The necessary locomotive for operating the Dhaka-Pabna train service is already ready. A number of new coaches are scheduled to arrive in the country next month and once the coaches are received, direct train service between Pabna and Dhaka will be launched on a priority basis in August,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the minister attended an exchange-of-views meeting with government officials and local representatives at the Pabna Circuit House auditorium.
Rabiul Alam said the government plans to launch train services on two new routes in August. The direct Dhaka-Pabna service will be introduced first, followed by a direct Dhaka-Khulna train service.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving public transport services across the country.
“No particular group will receive preferential treatment. The highest priority will be given to public interest and the expectations of the people,” the minister said.
Highlighting future transport plans, he said an international-standard multi-modal transport system would soon become visible in Bangladesh.
Regarding the relocation of the Kazirhat ferry terminal, Rabiul Alam said the government is committed to implementing the project as quickly as possible, considering both public demand and its wider importance.
Several lawmakers, including Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Selim Reza Habib and Abu Taleb Mondal, attended the programme along with Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, Superintendent of Police Sufi Ullah, senior government officials and local political leaders.
