BR delays Dhaka-Khulna new route opening

Bangladesh Railway (BR) postponed its scheduled inauguration of train services between Dhaka and Khulna via Padma Bridge-Bhanga-Jashore route on Monday due to a strike by its running staff.

The operation was scheduled to start at 11:00 am on the newly built 27-kilometer Bhanga-Jashore track.

Sources said that staff members went on strike on Sunday, as they have long been deprived of their running allowance. The strike, which limited their working hours to eight, disrupted train operations on other routes as well.

Padma Bridge Rail Link (PBRL) Project Director Afzal Hossain, however, said they could not launch the service due to a shortage of drivers. Once the situation normalises, a fresh schedule will be announced, he told the FE over phone.

The BR completed the Bhanga-Jashore railroad track at the last phase of the PBRL project. It, however, has been providing five train services, including Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Benapole trains, since October 10, 2023 after launching the Dhaka-Bhanga track through the Padma Bridge.

The new Bhanga-Jashore route promises a significant reduction in travel time. Once operational, trains are expected to reach Khulna from Dhaka in just three hours, cutting over 80 kilometres from the journey.

[email protected]