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 formally inaugurated on Sunday (15 November) when the capital-bound Chilahati Express, which had left Chilahati, stopped at the station at 8:30am.

As an intercity train stopped at the station for the first time, local residents welcomed the passengers with flowers.

According to Hili railway station sources, considering the long-standing demand of local passengers and the railway's revenue earnings, the authorities on 28 October approved stoppages at the station for the Nilsagar Express and the Chilahati Express.

With the formal stoppage of the two trains taking effect from today, a festive mood and joy have spread among the people of Hili and the surrounding areas.

According to local traders and residents, no Dhaka-bound intercity train had stopped at this important railway station, built during the British era, since the country became independent.

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 to Dhaka. They had to spend extra time and money and suffer severe hardship.

Those concerned have expressed hope that the new stoppage has established direct rail communication between Hili and the capital.