The suspension of the special train service on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar route has sparked strong criticism among the passengers as well as different organisations concerned.
The East Zone of Bangladesh Railway (BR) on Wednesday announced the suspension of the special train service on the route, citing a shortage of engines, loco masters and manpower.
The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association (BPWA) in a statement on Thursday alleged that the railway authorities have taken the decision being influenced by the leaders of the Bus Owners Association.
Since its inception on April 8, special train service on Chattogram-Cox's Bazar had rapidly gained popularity, leading to extension of the service period two times. The service was initially set to end on June 10.
An emergency notification signed by Kamal Akhtar Hossain, Assistant Chief Operating Officer (ACOPS) of East Zone of Bangladesh Railway was issued on Wednesday. The notification has been sent to Chittagong Railway Divisional Office.
Saiful Islam, Railway Eastern Divisional Manager (DRM), confirmed the matter to Bangladesh Post. Describing it as a temporary measure, he said, “The Chattogram-Cox's Bazar special train will resume operation during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. It is a temporary measure.”
When asked as to whether there is any conspiracy behind the suspension of the special train service on the route, Saiful Islam denied the allegation.
Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association in the statement alleged that the decision to suspend the special train has been taken under pressure from the Bus Owners Association. The association said many passengers had started travelling by train instead of bus due to lower fare.
Many renowned bus operators have reduced bus fare by Tk 100 on Chattogram- Cox’s Bazar route after the launch of the special train service in recent times. Saudia Bus has made fare reduction announcement on their facebook page.
Local passengers expressed their frustration over the suspension of the special train service. A regular passenger named Bablu said, "We could travel comfortably and affordably by train, paying as little as Tk 45 fare. The train had become important particularly for low-income people like us, we relied on it for safe and cost-effective travel.”
The Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway Project, part of the larger 100 km railway construction from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar via Ramu, began in 2018 at a cost Tk 18,034.48 crore. Initially, the construction work was scheduled to be completed by June 30, 2022. Later, the project’s tenure was extended to June 30, 2024.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the railway on November 11 last year. Commercial operation on Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar train service began on December 1, 2023.
