TDS Desk:

After years of waiting, people of Narail finally have access to a railway connection. For the first time, this south western district is part of the national railway network, bringing immense excitement to its residents. With this new service, Narail’s people can now reach the capital city, Dhaka, in just 2 hours and 30 minutes by train starting tomorrow (24 December).

After the launching, Narail will get connection with Dhaka-Bhanga segment under the Padma Bridge Rail Link. Trains on the Khulna-Dhaka-Benapole route will pass through Narail. A 28-kilometer rail track has been constructed in Narail district under the project, including the construction of two railway stations in Narail town and Lohagara upazila.

According to railway sources, two intercity trains, the Jahanabad Express and the Rupali Express will begin operating on this route.

Ujjal Kumar Biswas, station master of Narail Railway Station, stated that the two trains will operate six days in a week. Mondays are a weekly holiday. Each train will run twice daily on the Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Benapole routes.

Padma Bridge rail project sources said, a total of 169 kilometers of new railway track has been constructed from Dhaka to Jashore via the Padma Bridge. Implemented with Chinese funding, the project cost Tk. 37,401 crore. The project includes 20 railway stations, 14 of which are newly constructed. The broad-gauge railway line spans nine districts.

Starting from Dhaka, the link passes through Padma Bridge to Bhanga in Faridpur, Nagarkanda, Muksudpur, Maheshpur, Kashiani in Gopalganj, Lohagara and Jamdia in Narail, and finally connects with Rupdia in Jashore. Junctions are being established at Bhanga, Kashiani, and Padmabila in Jessore.

Two railway stations have been built in Narail. These are Lohagara’s Narandia and Durgapur areas.

The distance from Dhaka to Lohagara Railway Station is 123 km, while the distance to Narail Railway Station is 138 km.

ECONOMIC IMPACT ON NARAIL

A good prospect based on the rail link is expected. People of Narail believe this railway connection will transform the district’s communication with Dhaka and other areas, bringing faster and more efficient connectivity. They expect significant changes in education, trade and the local economy over the connection with capital only within two and a half hours.

When contacted, Hasanuzzaman, President of Narail Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that thousands of local businesses are expected to benefit from this new connectivity as businesses stand to gain immensely from this rail line. Goods can now be transported easily and at lower costs between Dhaka, Benapole Land Port, and other parts of the country.

Local betel leaf farmer Md. Alauddin of Sadar Upazila shared an example. According to him, betel leaves that sell for Tk250 per bundle (80 pieces) in Dhaka are priced at only Tk50 in Narail. With the railway, farmers like him can directly transport and sell their produce in Dhaka, ensuring fair prices for their crops.

Sharmin Akhtar Jahan, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Narail, expressed that a long-cherished dream of the people of the district has been fulfilled.

The administration is monitoring various aspects of the launch, as minor issues may arise initially.

“Steps will be taken to resolve these immediately and ensure smooth train operations,” she asserted.