Rail travel between Khulna and Dhaka via the Padma Bridge has commenced

The first-ever rail service on the Khulna-Dhaka route began early Tuesday as a train carrying 553 passengers arrived at Kamalapur Railway Station via the Padma Bridge. 

The Jahanabad Express completed the nearly four-hour journey after departing from Khulna at 6:00 AM. The return trip to Khulna is scheduled to depart from Kamalapur Railway Station at 8:00 PM, arriving in Khulna at 9:45 AM. This daily service will operate every day except Monday.

At 10:45 PM, the inaugural Dhaka-Benapole direct train service commenced with the Jahanabad Express departing Kamalapur station under a new name: Ruposhi Bangla. The train is expected to reach Benapole at 2:30 PM. 

The Ruposhi Bangla will return to Dhaka at 7:30 PM and, half an hour later, resume its journey to Khulna as the Jahanabad Express.

Bangladesh Railway Director General Afzal Hossain announced ticket prices: Tk445 for non-AC second-class chairs, Tk851 for AC chairs, and Tk1,018 for premium AC seats. By 6:00 AM Tuesday, 70% of the train’s 768 seats had already been sold. In addition to its 11 passenger coaches, the train includes a cargo coach.

The Khulna-Dhaka route includes stops at Noapara, Singia, Lohagara, Kashiani, and Bhanga before arriving at Kamalapur. Meanwhile, the train from Benapole stops at Jashore Junction, Narail, Kashiani, and Bhanga before reaching Kamalapur.