The government has taken an initiative to launch a luxurious tourist train service from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar via Chattogram upon installation of new railway tracks from Dohajari to Cox's Bazar, reports UNB.
Railways Minister Mujibul Haque said a process to procure 54 deluxe tourist coaches has started as the project aims to attract more local and foreign tourists to the world's longest sea beach.
The minister said the Development Project Proposal (DPP) has already been finalised and dispatched to the Planning Commission involving an estimated cost of Tk 3.56 billion (356 crore).
The government will provide Tk 780 million for the project while the rest of Tk 2.78 billion will come as foreign assistance, official sources said.
Mujibul Haque said, "The government is working to close the distance between the capital and Cox's Bazar sea beach by introducing non-stop train service."
These air-conditioned trains will run along with the regular railway service with a minimum number of stoppages, he said adding, "Those coaches will feature wide berth service along with railway's own catering service, security guards and scope of sightseeing."
According to Railway sources, the initial plan was to run four trains every day from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar via Chattogram, including the facility of return journey.
Under the new plan, two trains will set out from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar and two from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka at the same time while 20 per cent of the 54 coaches will be kept aside as spares at both ends.
Six meter-gauge tourist coaches (city), 13 air-conditioned sleeping cars, 22 air-conditioned chair cars, seven power cars along with air-conditioned dining cars and guard breaks are listed for procurement, spending Tk 2.55 billion.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
