The Benapole-Dhaka train service via Padma Bridge officially began on December 24 as the 768-seat Ruposhi Bangla Express made its maiden journey. The train departed Benapole Railway Station at 3:00 pm with 927 passengers aboard its 12 coaches and arrived at Dhaka’s Kamalapur Station at 7:10 pm.
The service was inaugurated by Jashore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Azharul Islam at Benapole Railway Station. Station Master Md. Saiduzzaman announced that the train will operate six days a week, remaining closed on Mondays.
According to Saiduzzaman, travel time between Dhaka and Benapole has been significantly reduced due to the new route via Padma Bridge. While the previous Tangail-Ishwardi route took 7 hours and 35 minutes, the new route completes the journey in just 3 hours and 40 minutes.
A pair of Ruposhi Bangla Express trains will now operate daily on the Dhaka-Benapole-Dhaka route. One train will leave Dhaka at 11:45 am and reach Benapole at 2:25 pm, while the return train will depart Benapole at 3:30 pm and arrive in Dhaka at 7:10 pm.
The train will have scheduled stops at Jashore Junction, Narail, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction, ensuring greater accessibility for passengers along the route.
