Hubbry Logo
Chitra ExpressChitra ExpressMain
Open search
Chitra Express
Community hub
Chitra Express
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Chitra Express
Chitra Express
Chitra Express
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Chitra Express
Chitra Express waiting at Joydevpur Station
Overview
Service typeIntercity
First service7 October 2007 (2007-10-07)
Current operatorWest Zone
Route
TerminiDhaka
Khulna
Distance travelled412.4 km (256.3 mi)
Service frequency6 days in a week
On-board services
ClassesAC Sleeper, AC Chair, Non AC Chair
Seating arrangementsYes
Sleeping arrangementsYes
Catering facilitiesYes
Entertainment facilitiesYes
Technical
Track gauge1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Khulna-Dhaka line
Broad gauge 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)
Legend
 Dhaka
Tongi
to Bhairab Bazar
Joydebpur
to Mymensingh
Tangail
to Jamalpur
Jamuna Bridge
to Sirajganj Bazar
Jamtoil
Boral Bridge
to Pabna
Majhgram
to Abdulpur
Ishwardi
Hardinge Bridge
Poradah
to Goalundo Ghat
Chuadanga
to Darshana
Darshana Halt
Kotchandpur
to Benapole
Jessore
Phultala
to Mongla
Khulna

Chitra Express is a Bangladeshi Intercity train which runs between the capital city Dhaka and the south western city Khulna through Jamuna Railway Bridge .

Name

[edit]

This train is named after the river Chitra of Narail. It's code no. 763/764.

Schedule

[edit]

Chitra Express 763 starts its journey from Khulna at 09:00 am and arrives Dhaka at 06:05 pm.[1] Then it departs 764 Chitra Dhaka at 07:30 pm and arrives Khulna at 04:40 am.[1] During its run, Chitra Express crosses Jamuna Bridge and Hardinge Bridge. it's the only train of Khulna division rightnow cross Jamuna route. [2]

Stopover

[edit]

Sometimes, the stops of a train may be changed by Bangladesh Railway. The following list is valid till 2025.[1]

  • Dhaka
  • Biman Bandar
  • Joydebpur Junction
  • Tangail
  • Ibrahimabad
  • SM M Monsur Ali
  • Ullapara
  • Boral Bridge
  • Chatmohar
  • Ishwardi Junction
  • Bheramara
  • Mirpur (Only 763)
  • Poradaha Junction
  • Alamdanga
  • Chuadanga
  • Darshana Halt (Only 763)
  • Kotchandpur
  • Mubarakganj
  • Jashore Junction
  • Noapara
  • Khulna

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chitra Express

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Chitra Express (Bengali: চিত্রা এক্সপ্রেস) is an intercity express train operated by , connecting the capital city of with in the southwestern over a distance of approximately 412 kilometers via the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Bridge, while a newer, shorter route via the serves other trains since 2024. Introduced on October 7, 2007, the service is named after the Chitra River in the region and functions as one of Bangladesh Railway's flagship routes, facilitating efficient passenger transport with stops at key stations including , Ishwardi, and Poradah. As of 2025, the train operates under numbers 763 (from to ) and 764 (from to ), departing at 08:30 and arriving in at 18:20 on the eastward journey, while the westward leg leaves at 19:00 and reaches at 05:10 the next day; it runs daily except Mondays. Accommodations include Shovon Chair, Snigdha, AC Seat, and AC Berth classes, with modern features such as air-conditioned coaches, onboard catering, charging facilities in select cars, and enhanced security measures to ensure passenger comfort on this broad-gauge route.

Overview

Route

The Chitra Express runs on a 412 km broad gauge railway line from Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka to Khulna Railway Station, passing through key infrastructure including the Bangabandhu Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge and the Hardinge Bridge. The track follows a 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge standard throughout the journey. This route holds significant importance as it links the capital city of with Khulna, a major southwestern industrial and port hub, facilitating the transport of passengers and goods across central and southwestern . The path crosses two of the country's largest rivers: the Jamuna via the Bangabandhu Bridge and the Padma via the , underscoring its role in regional connectivity. The incorporation of the Jamuna Railway Bridge, which opened in 1998 as part of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, revolutionized the route by providing a direct rail link and eliminating the previous reliance on services to cross the Jamuna River, thereby streamlining travel between eastern and western . The train operates as numbers 763 ( to ) and 764 ( to ).

Service Classes

The Chitra Express offers four primary classes of service to accommodate varying passenger needs on its route between and . The economy option is the Shovon Chair class, providing non-air-conditioned seating suitable for budget-conscious travelers seeking basic comfort during the journey. For enhanced comfort, the Snigdha class features air-conditioned seating arranged in a daytime configuration, ideal for passengers preferring a cooler environment with more spacious legroom. The AC Seat class offers air-conditioned seating for daytime travel. The premium AC Berth class includes air-conditioned sleeping accommodations with berths for overnight travel, offering privacy and restful conditions for longer trips. The train typically consists of 12 coaches, distributing capacity across these classes to serve approximately 700-800 passengers per service, with AC classes equipped with charging ports in select areas for device connectivity. Priority access is facilitated for AC class passengers at major stations to streamline boarding. Ticket pricing for the full Dhaka-Khulna route, as of early 2025, reflects these class differences and includes 15% VAT, with fares varying for partial journeys based on distance. The following table summarizes base fares:
ClassFare (BDT, full route)
Shovon Chair630
Snigdha1,208
AC Seat1,449
AC Berth2,168
Bookings for the Chitra Express, which operates six days a week excluding Mondays, can be made through the official Bangladesh Railway website (eticket.railway.gov.bd), , or at station counters, with advance reservations available up to 10 days prior to departure.

History

Inception

The Chitra Express was launched by Bangladesh Railway's West Zone on 7 October 2007, marking the introduction of a dedicated service to enhance connectivity in southwestern . Named after the Chitra River in , the train's moniker reflects its role in symbolizing improved regional links along the riverine landscape of the . Following the completion of the Jamuna Bridge in , which bridged the critical divide between eastern and western rail networks, the Chitra Express was established as a flagship intercity train to offer efficient daytime and overnight travel options between and over the approximately 446 km route. In its early operations, the service commenced with basic chair and sleeper classes, operating along established broad gauge lines to minimize disruptions while providing reliable passenger transport.

Developments

Following its inception, the Chitra Express underwent several route adjustments to enhance connectivity and efficiency. The train fully incorporated the Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge into its route by 2008, allowing for a more direct path between and without relying on crossings for the Jamuna , which had previously disrupted schedules. Key upgrades to the train's occurred around 2020-2021, including the introduction of air-conditioned (AC) classes and Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) rakes. These LHB coaches, supplied by , improved safety through better crash resistance and enhanced passenger comfort with modern amenities like improved ventilation and anti-telescoping features. The addition of AC seating and sleeping classes addressed growing demand for premium travel options on this busy corridor. Service expansions further evolved the train's operations. By 2015, its frequency increased from five days a week to six, providing more reliable options for commuters and reducing overcrowding on parallel services like the Sundarban Express. In 2020, amid the , the train integrated with Railway's digital ticketing system via the Rail Sheba app, enabling online bookings up to 10 days in advance and contactless payments to minimize health risks during travel restrictions. The route faced significant challenges from , notably the 2010 floods that inundated the and disrupted rail infrastructure, leading to delays and capacity constraints. In response, implemented improvements in track maintenance and signaling along the Jamuna route post-2010, resulting in better punctuality rates—averaging over 85% on-time arrivals by the mid-2010s—and expanded capacity through additional coaches during peak seasons. In March 2025, the Chitra Express began operating over the newly inaugurated Jamuna Railway Bridge, a 4.8 km dedicated dual-gauge rail bridge, enabling train speeds of up to 120 km/h and further enhancing reliability and travel efficiency on the route.

Operations

Schedule

The Chitra Express operates six days a week, with services suspended on Sundays. The train's timetable is structured for bidirectional travel between and , as detailed below:
DirectionTrain NumberDeparture Station and TimeArrival Station and TimeApproximate Duration
Downward ( to )764 (Kamalapur) at 19:30 at 04:40 (next day)9 hours 10 minutes
Upward ( to )763 at 09:00 (Kamalapur) at 18:059 hours 5 minutes
These timings reflect the roughly 446 km route distance via the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Bridge, which influences overall travel duration. As of November 2025, the schedule has been adjusted for improved efficiency. During the season ( to ), the Chitra Express may face potential delays due to heavy rainfall, flooding, and related disruptions to rail infrastructure across . Real-time updates on departures, arrivals, and any alterations are provided through official portals and mobile applications.

Intermediate Stops

The Chitra Express makes approximately 20 halts between its origin at and terminus at Dhaka's , serving passengers from southwestern and central along the route that crosses the Bangabandhu (Jamuna) Bridge. The journey northward features brief stops at most stations to maintain efficiency, with longer halts at key junctions for passenger boarding and operational needs. The return southward journey mirrors this sequence in reverse, with no additional unique stops. The following table outlines the intermediate stops for the upward journey (Khulna to Dhaka), including approximate arrival and departure times based on the standard schedule, along with halt durations:
StationArrival TimeDeparture TimeHalt Duration
Noapara09:33 AM09:36 AM3 minutes
Jashore (Jessore)10:04 AM10:08 AM4 minutes
Mubarakganj10:49 AM10:51 AM2 minutes
Kotchandpur11:02 AM11:04 AM2 minutes
Darshana Halt11:28 AM11:31 AM3 minutes
Chuadanga11:50 AM11:53 AM3 minutes
Alamdanga12:09 PM12:11 PM2 minutes
Poradaha12:27 PM12:30 PM3 minutes
Mirpur12:40 PM12:42 PM2 minutes
Bheramara12:52 PM12:55 PM3 minutes
Ishwardi01:15 PM01:25 PM10 minutes
Chatmohar01:48 PM01:51 PM3 minutes
Boral Bridge02:06 PM02:09 PM3 minutes
Ullapara02:27 PM02:30 PM3 minutes
SH M Monsur Ali02:45 PM02:48 PM3 minutes
Ibrahimabad03:29 PM03:32 PM3 minutes
Tangail03:52 PM03:54 PM2 minutes
Joydebpur05:04 PM05:07 PM3 minutes
Biman Bandar (Airport)05:33 PM05:36 PM3 minutes
Times and halts are subject to operational adjustments and are derived from current schedules as of late 2025. Among these, Jashore station holds regional importance as a bustling hub in southwestern , supporting industrial activities such as processing and manufacturing, and facilitating connectivity near the Indian border at . Ishwardi, with its extended 10-minute halt, serves as Bangladesh's largest railway junction, historically acting as a gateway between northern and southern regions and connecting to multiple lines for broader network access. These stops enable the train to link key economic areas, including agricultural districts and border trade zones, enhancing regional mobility.

Rolling Stock and Facilities

Locomotives

The Chitra Express is hauled by a single broad-gauge diesel-electric , compatible with the route's 1,676 mm , enabling operational speeds of up to 140 km/h. The primary locomotives in use are from Bangladesh Railway's Class 6600 series, which are EMD GT42ACL models manufactured by in the United States and introduced starting in 2021. These locomotives deliver 3,250 hp of power and feature advanced AC traction systems for improved and reliability, making them the preferred choice for hauling air-conditioned rakes on intercity services like the Chitra Express. Complementing the Class 6600 are the Class 6500 series, consisting of built by Diesel Locomotive Works in , with a power output of approximately 3,100–3,300 hp. These broad-gauge units, introduced in the , continue to provide reliable on the route, particularly during peak demand or maintenance periods for newer models. In 2023, received 20 additional Indian-built broad-gauge locomotives as a grant to bolster fleet capacity and operational reliability. Maintenance for these locomotives is primarily handled at sheds in and , with additional support from the Ishwardi facility for heavy repairs and efficiency upgrades. Post-2020 initiatives, including the adoption of modern AC generators and diagnostic systems in the Class 6600 fleet, have enhanced fuel efficiency by reducing energy losses, aligning with broader efforts to modernize Bangladesh Railway's . Historically, the train relied on older broad-gauge classes during its early years since its introduction in 2007 on the broad gauge route, with increasing reliance on these modern EMD and Indian-sourced models since their introduction for improved performance and reduced downtime. As of 2025, all 40 Class 6600 locomotives have been delivered and are in service.

Coaches and Amenities

The Chitra Express typically comprises 12-14 coaches, including 1-2 AC Sleeper coaches each accommodating 8-10 berths, 4-6 AC Chair cars, 4-5 Shovon Chair cars, a pantry car, and guard vans. These coaches are allocated based on service classes such as AC Berth, AC Seat, Snigdha, and Shovon Chair. Onboard amenities include clean restrooms equipped with running water, onboard catering services offering meals and snacks at an extra cost of approximately 100-200 BDT, and charging ports available in AC coaches. Security personnel are present throughout the journey to ensure passenger safety, while basic entertainment options such as newspapers and television are provided in premium classes. Safety features encompass fire alarms, emergency exits, and the use of Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches introduced since 2021, which feature an anti-telescoping design to enhance crash resistance. For accessibility, select AC coaches offer wheelchair provisions, and non-AC Shovon Chair cars include women-only compartments. Additionally, following a 2024 contract with India's RITES, more LHB coaches are being introduced to the fleet, enhancing safety and comfort on intercity trains including the Chitra Express.

References

  1. https://bangladesh-railways.com/chitra-express-train/
  2. https://nobolok.com/en/trains/train-details/763/chitra-express-intercity-train
  3. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/366798/when-will-trains-run-on-the-new-khulna-dhaka-rail
  4. https://railway.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/railway.portal.gov.bd/page/e64d9448_0615_4316_87f0_deb10f5c847d/Intercity%20Trains.pdf
  5. https://amartrain.com/chitra-express-train-schedule-ticket-price/
  6. https://railway.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/railway.portal.gov.bd/page/e64d9448_0615_4316_87f0_deb10f5c847d/Intercity%20Trains%20(27).pdf
  7. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/transport/news/rail-route-padma-bridge-opens-new-era-connectivity-3782946
  8. https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/infrastructure/jamuna-rail-bridge-inaugurated-trains-run-120-kmh-1095606
  9. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/368951/new-dhaka-khulna-train-debuts-on-tuesday
  10. https://amadertrain.com/dhaka-to-khulna-train-schedule/
  11. https://www.travelmate.com.bd/dhaka-to-khulna-train-schedule-and-ticket-price/
  12. https://eticketrailwaygovbd.com/
  13. https://insidedhaka.com/info/dhaka-khulna-train-schedule/
  14. https://trainschedule.com.bd/chitra-express-train-schedule/
  15. https://www.facebook.com/groups/abandonedrails/posts/5627965057236963/
  16. https://st2.indiarailinfo.com/kjfdsuiemjvcya2/0/8/9/5/4867895/0/yearbook201920englishfinalweb6670607.pdf
  17. https://www.tbsnews.net/thoughts/way-online-ticketing-transforming-travel-bangladesh-1139816
  18. http://old.ffwc.gov.bd/images/annual10.pdf
  19. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/373495/passenger-trains-begin-service-on-new-jamuna
  20. https://www.trainjatri.com/trains/chitra-express
  21. https://tbangla.com/khulna-to-dhaka-train-schedule/
  22. https://railway.portal.gov.bd/
  23. https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Industrialisation
  24. https://jessoreinfo.com/jessore-railway-station/
  25. https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/editorial/ishwardi-junction-station-needs-to-be-modernised-1717165790
  26. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/images-revisit-the-railways-that-united-bengal-before-partition
  27. https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/railways/india-bangladesh-rail-connectivity-key-to-regional-growth/108099680
  28. https://www.progressrail.com/en/Company/News/PressReleases/Progress_Rail_and_Bangladesh_Railways_Sign_Agreement.html
  29. https://www.railwayage.com/mechanical/locomotives/bangladesh-taps-progress-rail-for-gt-series-power/
  30. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1926705
  31. https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/india-sends-20-broad-gauge-locomotives-to-bangladesh/
  32. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/50312/50312-003-pp-en.pdf
  33. https://amadertrain.com/khulna-to-dhaka-train-schedule/
  34. https://rail.cc/bangladesh/xbd
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anTYhD71CFM
  36. https://www.eticket-railway.com/2025/09/bangladesh-railway-ticket-booking.html
  37. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indian-railways-rites-to-supply-200-passenger-coaches-to-bangladesh-railways/articleshow/110276935.cms
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.