Photo: BSS

GOPALGANJ, August 10, 2026 (BSS) - The long-awaited train service from Dhaka to Gopalganj has started today, opening a new chapter in direct rail connectivity between Gopalganj and the capital.

Lawmaker from Gopalganj-1 constituency Md Selimuzzaman Selim formally inaugurated the service at a ceremony at Maheshpur Railway Station under Kashiani upazila at 6 pm. 

Lawmakers from Gopalganj-2 and 3 constituencies K M Babar and S M Jelany attended the event as special guests.

According to the Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md. Afzal Hossain, the ‘Abhijatri Commuter’ train has left Dhaka at 2:30pm and reached Gopalganj at 6:45pm. It will depart Gopalganj again at 7:25 pm and arrive in Dhaka at 10:25 pm.

Under the regular schedule, the train will leave Dhaka at 3:30 pm every day and reach Gopalganj at 6:45 pm. In the opposite direction, it will leave Gopalganj at 7:15 pm and arrive in Dhaka at 10:25 pm. The train service will remain closed on Saturday as its weekly holiday.

On its journey from Dhaka to Gopalganj, the train will stop at Keraniganj, Srinagar, Mawa, Shibchar, Bhanga Junction, Nagarkanda and Maheshpur stations.

The commuter train, consisting of eight coaches with a capacity of 609 passengers, has a minimum fare of only Taka 145 for the general class. In contrast, a passenger travelling between Dhaka and Gopalganj by bus has to pay Taka 500 to Taka 800.

The affordable fare has brought considerable relief to ordinary and low-income people. The benefits will extend beyond Gopalganj to residents of neighboring Pirojpur, Bagerhat and Narail districts as well.

The launch of direct rail connectivity with the capital has brought joy and relief among the people of Gopalganj. Besides saving time and travel costs, the safe rail service is expected to bring new momentum to business, trade and the overall economy of the southwestern region.

Wasikur Rahman Khan, a resident of Islampur area in Gopalganj sadar, told BSS that the rail service would provide safe and comfortable travel at a low cost while giving fresh impetus to business, trade and the overall economy of the region.

“People have shown tremendous interest in the train as it offers an opportunity to travel at a lower fare than by road,” he said.

Pallab Kanti Biswas, a railway Inspector in Gopalganj told BSS that a long-cherished dream of the people of Gopalganj is about to come true.

“Gopalganj is a prosperous agricultural area. If additional luggage vans are attached to the train in the future, local farmers will be able to send vegetables and other agricultural products directly to markets in Dhaka at a nominal cost,” he said.

Anik Biswas, Station Master of Kashiani Railway Station, told BSS that although trains previously operated on the Rajshahi route, there had been no direct train service to Dhaka.

“With the launch of this service, the suffering caused by prolonged traffic jam and high fares on the road route will be reduced. If the service gets a good response in terms of passengers, government revenue will also increase,” he said.