Special parcel train service has created the scope of transporting mangoes from its producing districts atnearly 92 per cent less cost than road transport.
Bangladesh Railway (BR) launched the mango special service on Friday, officials said, adding that 800kg mangoes were loaded into the train from Chapainawabganj after aninaugural ceremony held at 4:00 pm.
It was expected to carry around 2,000 kg mangoes from other railway stations including 900 kg from Rajshahi and 200 kg from Kakonhat on the way to Dhaka, they added.
The ceremony held inChapainawabganj was attended by the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, and local member of parliament. The Rajshahimayor was present at RajshahiRailway Station.
BR Western Zone General Manager Mihir KantiGuha said being the special service for mango, they focus on this season fruit but other fruits including litchi and ghee were also loaded into the train on the first day.
So far 400 kg litchi was loaded into the train from Rajshahi, he said, addingthat they expect more response from mango farmers and traders to use the parcel service in the coming days due to minimum transport costs.
According to BR Divisional Commercial Officer Fuad Hossain, per kg mango has been charged at Tk 1.3 from Chapainawabganj and Tk 1.18 from Rajshahi which is 25 per cent rebate from existing charge.
Per kg parcel charge in courier service is around Tk 15.
"BR's intention is not to do business. The rebate and promotional offer including portal charge has been given during the corona period to support transportation of essential commodities," he told the FE over phone.
According to BR, the mango special parcel train is expected to reach Dhaka at 1.0 am, collecting mangoes from other mango producing areas of Amnura and KakonhatinRajshahi and Sarda, Arani and AbullahpurinChapainawabganj.
The same train carrying different goods and vegetableswill leave Dhaka for Chapainawabganj at 2:00 pm.
However, the general manager ruled out the possibility of carrying passengers on thisspecial train.
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