Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Rail Route, High Tourist Demand Meets Railway Indifference2 min read
As winter ushers in a surge of tourists to Cox’s Bazar, the picturesque coastal city finds itself underserved by Bangladesh Railway, which has failed to launch additional train services on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar rail route despite overwhelming demand.
Unlike its usual practice during peak seasons like Eid, Puja, or Ijtema, the railway has neither introduced special trains nor added extra coaches to existing services. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from stakeholders, who attribute the inaction to mismanagement and indifference, causing inconvenience to passengers and lost revenue opportunities for the railway reportedly.
With schools, colleges, and universities closed for the holiday season, Cox’s Bazar has transformed into a bustling hub for local tourism. Hotels and motels, boasting a combined capacity to host 130,000 visitors daily, are reportedly at full occupancy. Yet, the railway has not risen to the occasion to accommodate the influx of travelers.
Tourism industry sources note that demand for additional trains skyrocketed from early December. Educational institutions and corporate groups submitted numerous requests for more train services, but railway authorities have done little to address the need.
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Railway officials confirmed that a ban on adding extra coaches, imposed in late October, remains in effect. This policy, intended to curb ticket scalping and improve management, has backfired on the Cox’s Bazar route, leaving trains unable to meet passenger demand. Stakeholders argue that adding extra coaches could have increased revenue by 20-30%.
Internal reports highlight the potential gains: special trains operated between December 2023 and November 2024 earned over Tk6.75 crore by carrying more than 252,000 passengers. In October alone, 16 special trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar route generated Tk1.14 crore.
The new 102-kilometer Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail line, inaugurated in November 2023 at a cost of Tk15,000 crore, has seen limited service due to shortages in engines, coaches, and manpower. Bangladesh Railway currently operates with just over 2,500 coaches and 300 locomotives, far below the 3,000 coaches and 500 locomotives needed to ensure smooth operations.
Despite public outcry, only minimal adjustments have been made. Two coaches were added following criticism, and a special train service between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar was introduced in April. However, these efforts fall short of meeting the high seasonal demand.
General Manager Mohammad Nazmul Islam of the Eastern Zone of Bangladesh Railway attributed the lack of action to logistical constraints, echoing similar statements from other officials. Meanwhile, attempts to contact Deputy Director (Marketing) Shah Alam for further clarity went unanswered.
As thousands flock daily to Cox’s Bazar, the inadequate rail services cast a shadow on the country’s tourism prospects. The railway’s failure to capitalize on the demand not only inconveniences travelers but also deprives the sector of a crucial boost during its busiest season.
With the holiday rush showing no signs of slowing, stakeholders are left questioning whether Bangladesh Railway will ever step up to fulfill its potential on this high-demand route.
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