Parabat Express

Parabat Express
Parabat Express at Sylhet Rail Station
Overview
Status	Repairing
Locale	Bangladesh
First service	19 March 1986 (1986-03-19)
Website	http://www.railway.gov.bd/
Route
Stops	10
Average journey time	6 hours & 45 minutes
Service frequency	6 days each week
On-board services
Catering facilities	On-board
Technical
Rolling stock	One 2900 Class locomotive Eight Chair carriages Two ac Chair carriages Two ac Cabin carriages One non-ac Cabin Carriages One generator car Two guard brake carriages with Buffet car

Parabat Express (Train no. 709/710) is an intercity train operating between Dhaka and Sylhet, two major cities in Bangladesh. Since the inception of intercity train service in Bangladesh in 1986, it has been regarded as one of the most prestigious and luxurious trains in the country.

History

Parabat Express made its inaugural run on 19 March 1986, designated as Train No. 709 (up) / 710 (down). It was introduced as an intercity train offering a luxurious and fast service. Since its inauguration, the train has departed from Dhaka Railway Station. Parabat Express receives priority right-of-way on the Bangladesh Railway network. It has fewer stops than other Dhaka-Sylhet express trains, halting only at major stations.

Schedule

The train runs between Dhaka and Sylhet, passing through districts such as Gazipur, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Habiganj, and Maulavibazar. It departs from Kamalapur Railway Station at 06:20 AM (Bangladesh Standard Time) and arrives in Sylhet at 01:00 PM. On the return trip, it departs from Sylhet at 03:45 PM and arrives in Dhaka at 10:40 PM. The train operates every day of the week except Tuesday.

Carriages

The train currently operates with 16 PT Inka (Industri Kereta Api) air-brake coaches, which were introduced on 2 September 2016. The train consists of eight chair cars, two AC chair cars, two non-AC chair cars, two guard brake cars with an attached dining car, one non-AC cabin, and one generator car. Before the introduction of the Inka coaches, the train used old vacuum brake coaches. However, between 1998 and 2011, the train operated with Iranian air-brake coaches. Due to maintenance issues, the Iranian air-brake coaches were replaced with vacuum brake coaches in 2011.

Locomotive

Parabat Express is typically hauled by a Class 2900 locomotive of Bangladesh Railway. However, due to occasional rolling stock shortages, it may sometimes be hauled by a Class 2600 locomotive. An air-braked locomotive is mandatory for the train's operation.

Class 2900 locomotive of Bangladesh Railway. This is locomotive no. 2934

Stoppages

• Dhaka Bimanbandor
• Bhairabbazar
• Brahmanbaria
• Azampur
• Noapara
• Shaistaganj
• Sreemangal
• Bhanugach
• Kulaura
• Maizgaon

Passenger interest

People often travel on the Parabat Express for its punctual and fast service. The train has more AC carriages than any other Dhaka-Sylhet express train, attracting passengers who prefer a luxurious travel experience. Additionally, traveling by express allows passengers to enjoy the scenic views of Sylhet Division, including trackside hills, tea gardens, and rural landscapes.

Parabat Express passing through a tea garden

Accident of Locomotive no. 2933

Locomotive No. 2933 was one of the newest locomotives in the Class 2900 series. It was involved in a fatal accident in Noyapara, Madhabpur Upazila, Habiganj District, on 7 October 2016. The locomotive caught fire shortly after it derailed with the Parabat Express near Noyapara Railway Station. The driver's cab and the electrical cabinet of the locomotive were destroyed in the fire, and the locomotive required extensive repairs.