Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (November 11, 2023) inaugurated the much-awaited 102-kilometre Chattogram-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge single railway line setting yet another milestone in the country's communication network.

The southern region wore a festive look as she unveiled the new rail route (from Dohazari in Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar) for train movement at a ceremony at newly constructed Cox’s Bazar Railway Station. 

The premier flagged off a train and then travelled by it from Cox’s Bazar Railway Station to Ramu Railway Station.

Read: Oyster-shaped railway station adds greater tourist attraction to Cox’s Bazar

She bought her own ticket from the counter of the railway station. She waved the green flag before boarding the train.

She also blew the whistle signalling the start of the train.

Addressing the inauguration programme, the prime minister said, “Today Cox's Bazar has been linked to the country's railway network.  I am really very delighted for being able to attend the inaugural ceremony physically, " she said.

"I have kept my promise by inaugurating the railway. This was a longstanding demand of this region. This is a day of feeling proud," she said.

Read: Railway Minister to inspect Dohazari-Cox's Bazar line before inauguration

Talking to reporters during the train ride, the prime minister said that this train link will contribute a lot to country’s GDP and economy.

“Transportation of goods, people and tourists will be expedited resulting in increase the GDP and more vibrant economy,” she said.

She mentioned that Cox’s Bazar has the longest sandy sea beach in the world.

“But we could not build this tourist spot up to the mark. We have to make sure that tourists can come here comfortably,” she said.

PM Hasina said that apart of tourists conveyance the trade and commerce of this area have been given importance.

“We are building a deep seaport, power station, building an economic zone here,” she said.

She also mentioned that Bangladesh will be linked with trans Asian railway by this rail line.

“This rail line will go to Ghumdhum from Ramu, later from Ghumdhum it will be linked with South and South East countries.”

Read: Chinese-built railway opens via Bangladesh's Padma Bridge

On her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan and local MPs.

Local artists greeted her with traditional songs and dances. 

The railways minister presided over the programme.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) country director for Bangladesh Ginting and Railways Ministry secretary Md Humayun Kabir also spoke at the event.