The “special mango train” has started its operation on Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route once again after a year. The special train left for Dhaka at 4 pm on Thursday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the special train service through a video conference from her official residence Ganobhaban at around 12 pm.
She said that this train is a gift for the people of Chapainawabganj, as the season of mango has commenced.
It will cost Tk 1.17 per kg to transport mangoes on the mango special train, whereas the cost of transporting mango through courier service is around Tk 20 per kg. The West Zone of Bangladesh Railway has taken this initiative to transport mangoes at a lower cost considering the welfare of mango farmers and traders amid the crisis period of Covid-19.
According to the railway authorities, this special train will depart from Chapainawabganj for Dhaka via Rajshahi every day.
The mangoes will be transported in five wagons of the special train. A total of 200 tonnes of goods can be carried on the five wagons, each having a capacity of 40 tonnes.
The train will stop and load mangoes at 14 stations on the Chapainawabganj-Dhaka railway route. The train may stop at other stations as well based on parcel booking and unloading.
Railways minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan joined the video conference from Magura and chaired the function.
Railway minister said, “We want to provide service to the people considering their welfare not just business. It cost up to Tk 25 to transport mangoes by bus. But since we launched this service, the cost has come down to Tk 13.”
He added that, “We will give importance to mangoes on this special train. However, other agricultural products can also be transported if there is enough space left on the train. The number of trains can be increased according to the demand.”
The function was conducted by PM's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus. Railways Secretary Md Salim Reza delivered the welcome speech at the event.
