Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday launched the first-ever non-stop intercity train service, ‘Bonolota Express’, on Dhaka-Rajshahi route fulfilling the long-cherished demand of the people of Rajshahi region.

She opened the non-stop train service through videoconferencing from her official residence Ganobhaban in the morning, reports the UNB.

The 927-seat modern train started its maiden trip from Rajshahi towards Dhaka around 11:10am.

With the introduction of the non-stop train service, now passengers will be able to travel to Rajshahi from Dhaka within 4 hours and 45 minutes, over one hour less than the current travel time.

The Bonolota Express is the third non-stop intercity train in the country as currently two non-stop trains are plying the Dhaka-Chattogram route.

The high-speed train with 12 coaches will be running on the 343-kilometre route without any stoppage between Dhaka and Rajshahi.

Now three intercity trains  --Silk City Express, Padma Express and Dhumketu Express—are running daily on the Dhaka-Rajshahi route, having stoppages at 10 to 14 stations.

According to the regular schedule, the  Bonolota Express will start from Rajshahi at 7:00am and reach Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka by 11:40 am. 

It will leave Dhaka  at 1:15 pm and reach Rajshahi at 6:00 pm.

The train is equipped with some modern facilities like bio-toilet, reclining chairs, Wi-Fi and mobile phone-recharging system for the passengers.

Bangladesh Railways procured 50 high-speed and modern coaches from Indonesia for new trains on different routes, including the Rajshahi-Dhaka one.

Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan delivered the congratulatory speech joining the inaugural ceremony from Rajshahi Railways Station. Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzman Liton accompanied by many other dignitaries also attended the function at the Rajshahi end.

Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman conducted the inaugural event at Ganobhaban, while Railways Secretary Md Mofazzel Hossain made a presentation over the non-stop train service as well as the activities and successes of Bangladesh Railways.