Cox’s Bazar expects a large influx of tourists during the five-day Durga Puja holiday, with hotel and resort operators reporting strong booking demand.
To handle the expected passenger rush, Bangladesh Railway will operate special trains on the Dhaka, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar routes on October 20, 23, and 24.
Tourism-related businesses hope the additional services will make travel easier for visitors and help boost the local tourism industry during the holiday.
According to the government decision, the five-day holiday will run from October 20 to 24. Cox’s Bazar, one of the country’s major tourist destinations, is expected to attract many holidaymakers during the period.
Under the special schedule, the Dhaka Special train will leave Chattogram for Dhaka at 2:30 pm on October 20 and arrive at 7:30 pm the same day. The Tourist Special will depart Dhaka for Cox’s Bazar at 10:30 pm that night and reach its destination at 6:50 am the following day.
On October 23, a special train will leave Cox’s Bazar for Dhaka at 11:30 am and arrive at 8:00 pm. The Tourist Special will depart Dhaka for Cox’s Bazar at 10:30 pm the same day and reach the coastal town at 6:50 am the following morning.
On October 24, the Tourist Special will leave Cox’s Bazar for Dhaka at 11:30 am and arrive at 8:00 pm. The Chattogram Special will depart Dhaka for Chattogram at 10:30 pm that night and arrive at 4:00 am the following day.
Cox’s Bazar Railway Station manager Zainal Abedin confirmed the special train services to Cox’s Bazar to Life.
“Passenger pressure on trains bound for Cox’s Bazar is usually high during consecutive holidays. Special trains have therefore been allocated to handle the additional demand. We have completed the necessary preparations to ensure safe journeys,” he said.
Currently, the intercity Cox’s Bazar Express and Tourist Express operate on the Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar route. The Saikat Express and Prabal Express run between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.
The additional services are expected to increase passenger capacity during the holiday and give visitors more travel options.
Tourism operators said the local industry supports a wide range of businesses and livelihoods, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, transport services and small shops. More tourist arrivals can create more business opportunities across these sectors.
Mukim Khan, general secretary of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Resort Owners’ Association, said they expected a large influx of tourists during the consecutive holidays.
“Hotels and resorts are already receiving a positive response to bookings. Tourists prefer trains for safe and comfortable journeys. We thank the government for allocating special trains during the holiday,” he said.
Tourism operators said easier rail connections from Dhaka and Chattogram could encourage more people to visit Cox’s Bazar, stay at local hotels and resorts, dine at restaurants and visit tourist attractions, generating income for people involved in the sector.
They also stressed the need to manage the additional pressure on local transport, maintain service standards at hotels and resorts, and ensure safety and cleanliness at tourist spots.
They said that effective measures would also be necessary to prevent excessive fares, traffic congestion, and other inconveniences during the holiday rush.
The special train services are expected to help meet increased travel demand. Tourism operators believe that safe, convenient transport, alongside effective management of tourist facilities, will help ensure a comfortable holiday for visitors and maximise benefits for Cox’s Bazar’s tourism-dependent economy.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
