Pabna, Oct 4 (V7N) – Direct train services between Dhaka and Pabna will commence very soon, Railways Secretary Fahimul Islam Shovon announced during a public gathering at Dhalarchar in Bera upazila on Friday evening.

Prior to the announcement, Road Transport and Highways Division Senior Secretary Md. Ehsanul Haque and Railways Secretary Fahimul Islam Shovon visited several project sites in Pabna’s Bera upazila, including Khayer Char, Dhalarchar, and Kazirhat. The visit aimed to review proposals for improving connectivity between Pabna and Dhaka, reducing fuel costs and travel time, and developing alternative transport routes.

They were accompanied by BNP Chairperson’s Special Assistant Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, former Pabna-2 MP AKM Selim Reza Habib, District BNP Convenor Habibur Rahman Habib, Jamaat-e-Islami District Nayeb-e-Ameer Principal Iqbal Hossain, District BNP Member Secretary Masud Khondokar, and several senior government officials.

During their field inspection, the secretaries and local leaders reviewed proposals including the reactivation of the Kazirhat Ferry Ghat–Khayer Char route, upgrading of connecting roads, and feasibility studies for the proposed Dhalarchar–Rajbari rail bridge, which would link the area directly with the Padma Rail Bridge.

Speaking to journalists afterward, the secretaries said the visit had given them valuable insights into the region’s infrastructure challenges and the expectations of local communities. “There is significant potential here, and we will convey both the demands of the people and our observations to the highest levels of government,” one of the secretaries noted.

BNP leader Advocate Shimul Biswas told reporters that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had promised in 2008 to build a second Jamuna Bridge connecting Pabna, Kazirhat, and Daulatdia. “People of this region still carry that promise in their hearts. We urged government officials to visit these areas and understand local needs. We hope the authorities will take these proposals seriously and implement the projects soon,” he said.

Local residents expressed optimism that the long-awaited direct Dhaka-Pabna rail service, along with future infrastructure projects, would significantly improve communication, trade, and economic opportunities for the region.

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