After coming to power, the present government decided in 2010 to build a railway from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated this railway on November 11 last year. During the inauguration programme, she mentioned that this new railway would boost tourism, industrialisation, trade, and provide a strong foundation for the country's economy.
Following the inauguration, two trains named 'Cox's Bazar Express' and 'Paryton Express' began operation on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route last December. However, there was no service for locals on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route. Responding to their demands, the Railways launched a special train on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route on April 8 on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Though initially an Eid special, the train quickly became popular due to the overwhelming response from passengers, leading to an extension until June 10. The train reduced travel time from Chattogram to Cox's Bazar to 3.5 hours from 5-6 hours by bus, while fare was nearly half the cost of that of bus.
This service gained rapid popularity for being comfortable and safe, prompting the eastern zone of the railway to propose to the Railway Headquarters to make this special service permanent by increasing the number of coaches from 10 to 18 and running two trips a day. A proposal was sent to the Railway Headquarters, but the opposite occurred. The special train on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route was discontinued on May 29.
The train's popularity evidently put pressure on bus operators. It is alleged that the Railway decided to discontinue this service under the pressure from the bus operators. In response to public outcry over the closure, the Railways plans to re-open the special service for two weeks during Eid-ul-Azha. However, the local people demand this service permanently.
Omar Faruk
Student
Chittagong University