Khulna-Dhaka train service via Padma Bridge takes off

The much-sought train service connecting Khulna and Dhaka via the Padma Bridge officially began operations on Tuesday.

The inaugural journey of the Jahanabad Express started from Khulna Railway Station at 6am and reached Dhaka at 9:45am at Kamalapur Railway Station.

The new service, part of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Khulna and Dhaka, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh’s rail connectivity.

An official ceremony at Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka was attended by Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Railways, who inaugurated the service.

With the launch of two passenger trains—the Jahanabad Express (Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna) and the Ruposhi Bangla Express (Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole)—train journeys in the region are now faster and more efficient.

The Ministry of Railways said the new route via the Padma Bridge will cut travel time to just under four hours.

Travellers said this is a significant improvement compared to the current travel time of 9 hours 30 minutes from Dhaka to Khulna via Tangail and Ishwardi, and 7 hours 35 minutes to Benapole via Rajbari.

Train schedules

The Jahanabad Express (Train No 825) departs Khulna at 6am and arrives in Dhaka at 9:45am.

On its return journey, Train No 826 departs Dhaka at 8pm and reaches Khulna at 11:40pm. 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 10:45am and reaches Benapole at 2:30pm. On its return, Train No 827 departs Benapole at 3:30pm and arrives in Dhaka at 7:10pm, with stops at Jessore Junction, Narail, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.

Both trains are equipped with 12 coaches, accommodating 768 passengers.

Advance tickets are available online and at designated station counters since Saturday.

The trains will operate six days a week, with a weekly break on Mondays.