Dhaka-bound intercity train stops at Hili station for the first time since independence

Ending a long wait, a Dhaka-bound intercity train has begun stopping at Hili railway station in Dinajpur for the first time since independence. The service was inaugurated on Sunday at 8:30am when the Dhaka-bound Chilahati Express, travelling from Chilahati, made its stop at the station.

According to Hili railway station sources, considering passengers' long-standing demand and the question of revenue earnings, approval was given on October 28 for the Nilsagar Express and the Chilahati Express to stop at the station. With the formal stoppage of both trains beginning today, an air of joy prevails among local residents.

Local residents and traders said that at this important railway station, built in the British era, no Dhaka-bound intercity train had stopped since independence. As a result, passengers using the Hili land port and immigration checkpost, traders, students and ordinary people had to travel to the neighbouring Birampur station or to Panchbibi station in Joypurhat to catch a train, spending both time and money and enduring hardship.

With this new stoppage, a direct rail link between Hili and Dhaka has been established.

Those concerned hope this will bring momentum to the Hili land port's import-export trade, immigration activities and the local economy.