Deluxe trains from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar

This letter is in reference to an article published in November 18 issue of the Financial Express, titled "Move on to launch Dhaka-Cox's Bazar deluxe trains to lure tourists".

The article mentioned that the government has taken an initiative to launch a luxury train service especially targeting tourists. This train will run from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar via Chattogram. The route is likely to become operational following the installation of new railway tracks from Dohajari to Cox's Bazar.

The article quoted Railways Minister Mujibul Haque as saying that a process to procure 54 deluxe tourist coaches has started already. The project is especially aimed at attracting more local and foreign tourists to the world's longest sea beach. The estimated cost of the project may be around Tk 3.56 billion.

The trains will have air-conditioned coaches. This train service will run on the regular railway tracks but with minimum number of stoppages. The "coaches will feature wide berth service along with railway's own catering service, security guards and scope of sightseeing," said the minister. There will also be dining and sleeping facilities for passengers.

According to the article, two trains will run from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar and two from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka at the same time.

This is a commendable initiative by the government. This move will not just improve tourism to Cox's Bazar but also to Chattogram. The hilly, port city has a number of spots like Patenga Beach, DC Hill, War Cemetery and Foy's Lake that foreign and local tourists can visit.

Hopefully, this project, once implemented, will reap benefits for the country.

Bangladesh has plenty of scenic spots. Spots like Bichanakandi, Bandarban, Rangamati and others are remote due to lack of convenient transport communication.

Train is an inexpensive transport mode. Bringing all the tourist spots under the railway network will boost the tourism industry.

Akibul Javed,

Indira Road, Dhaka