Nov, 02 V7N- The 'Agricultural Products Special Train,' launched on October 26 to facilitate the transportation of farm produce, was halted after its inaugural run as it failed to transport any agricultural goods. The train departed from Rohanpur in Chapainawabganj, passing through Rajshahi, and arrived at Dhaka’s Tejgaon Railway Station completely empty.

According to the railway department, the special train was scheduled to depart Rohanpur at 9:45 AM, making stops at five stations en route to Rajshahi to collect vegetables and other agricultural products. However, no agricultural products were available at any of these stations, forcing the train to continue its journey empty.

AKM Nurul Alam, Assistant Commercial Officer of Pakshi Railway, had previously stated that the train could carry up to 120 tons of produce at a minimal cost—1.30 taka per kg from Rohanpur and 1.18 taka from Rajshahi. The train was set to run every Saturday, stopping at 14 stations to collect goods. While no agricultural products were transported on the inaugural day, a load of 150 kg of egg crates was reportedly carried.

Despite efforts to promote the service, officials admitted they received limited interest in using the train for transporting agricultural goods. Farmers claimed they were not informed about the service, while local business leaders in Rajshahi mentioned a lack of awareness about the train's launch.

The Bangladesh Railway had introduced the special train service, scheduled to operate weekly from Khulna to Dhaka on Tuesdays, from Panchagarh to Dhaka on Thursdays, and from Rohanpur to Dhaka via Rajshahi on Saturdays. However, within just a week, the service was suspended.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Nur Mohammad confirmed, "The train only operated on its inauguration day and has been suspended since then."

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