Rail communication on the 138.64 km Benapole-Mongla route began operations on Saturday, carrying 500 passengers on its inaugural journey.

Saidur Rahman, Benapole Rail Station Master, reported that the commuter train departed for Mongla port at around 10:00 am, reaching Mongla via Khulna's Phultala at approximately 12:50 pm, UNB reported.

The route includes stopovers at Navaron, Jhikargacha, Jashore Junction, Rupdia, Singia, Chengutia, Noapara, Bejerdanga, Phultala, Aronghata, Mohammadnagar, Katakhali, Chulkati Bazar, Bhaga, and Digraj stations.

The new service follows a trial run that began on November 1, when a train was operated on the Khulna-Mongla rail tracks. After seven months of testing, the train service is now officially launched.

bd-pratidin/GR