Dhaka : The much-anticipated train service connecting Khulna and Dhaka via the Padma Bridge officially commenced operations on December 24. The inaugural journey of the Jahanabad Express started from Khulna Railway Station at 6:00 am and arrived in Dhaka Railway Station at 9:45 am.

Part of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project, the new service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Khulna and Dhaka, said a release.

With the launch of two passenger trains-the Jahanabad Express (Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna) and the Ruposhi Bangla Express (Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole)-train journey in the region is now faster and more efficient, added the report.

The Ministry of Railways said the new route via the Padma Bridge will cut travel time to just under four hours-a significant development compared to the earlier travel time of nine hours 30 minutes from Dhaka to Khulna via Tangail and Ishwardi, and seven hours 35 minutes to Benapole via Rajbari.

The Jahanabad Express (Train No. 825) departs Khulna at 6:00 am and arrives in Dhaka at 9:45 am. On its return journey, Train No. 826 departs Dhaka at 8:00 pm and reaches Khulna at 11:40 pm. Along the way, it stops at Noapara, Singia Junction, Lohagora, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction stations.

Similarly, the Ruposhi Bangla Express (Train No. 828) departs Dhaka at 10:45 am and reaches Benapole at 2:30 pm. On its return, Train No. 827 departs Benapole at 3:30 pm and arrives in Dhaka at 7:10 pm, with stops at Jashore Junction, Narail, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.

Both trains are equipped with 12 coaches, accommodating 768 passengers. The trains will operate six days a week, with a weekly break on Mondays.