Chilahati Railway Station Building, Chilahati

sohanurrahman (76)Friendin Steem Sri Lanka • 16 days ago (edited)

^{As-Salamu Alaykum (Peace Be Upon You)}

I am participating this contest, Contest Announcement & Winners | Steem Atlas Challenge XXii - Pin Your Favorite Spot. Thank you @damithudaya for organizing this beautiful contest.

Today, I want to share something interesting about an important railway station in Bangladesh, Chilahati Railway Station. It is an international railway station located in the northern part of the country, serving as a crucial point for cross-border connectivity. Situated in the Nilphamari district of the Rangpur division, this station stands out not only for its importance but also for its beautiful and modern structure, which is truly fascinating to see.


^{Chilahati Railway Station}

Attribute	Details
Steem Atlas Location	[//]:# (!steematlas 26.24387 lat 88.79616 long Chilahati Railway Station Building d3scr)
Google Location	6QVW+CG3, সড়ক, Chilahati, Link
Opened	1878
Status	Functional

History & modernization

Before this revival, Chilahati was an inactive railway transit point on the Bangladesh-India border for decades. During discussions on restoring rail connectivity between the two nations, the modernization work of this station began in June 2019.


^{A close look at the station building}

After being inactive for nearly 55 years (from 1965 to 2020), the cross-border railway link was finally reopened, marking a historic milestone in strengthening ties between Bangladesh and India.

In 2022, the station officially started international rail services, enabling passenger and freight trains to operate across the Bangladesh-India border once again. This restoration is a symbol of cooperation and connectivity, benefiting trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations between the two countries.


^{I like the structure of the station}

International connectivity & Immigration

Although international train services between Dhaka and India have started, Chilahati Railway Station does not have immigration facilities yet. This means people from the northern region, like me, have to travel all the way to Dhaka to complete immigration formalities, as all the necessary arrangements are centralized there. If immigration services were available at Chilahati, it would save both time and money for the people of North Bengal. After all, India is very close from Chilahati.


^{View of the station from a little distance}


^{This monument proudly displays the flags of Bangladesh and India, symbolizing the friendship and renewed rail connectivity between the two nations}	^{A vital connection renewed, this railway link strengthens Bangladesh-India relations and opens new opportunities for trade and travel}

However, passenger train services on the Chilahati route to India are currently suspended, mainly due to certain political circumstances. At present, only freight trains are operating. Nevertheless, Chilahati remains a very important railway connection. Currently, domestic trains within Bangladesh operate up to Chilahati. If you travel on one of these trains, you will get a chance to witness the iconic look of this station.

Current Facilities & Development Needs


^{Ticket counter}

I believe some modernization work at this station is still incomplete. For instance, the ticket counters did not appear very modern to me. However, I hope these facilities will be upgraded soon. Near the station, there is also a VIP rest house and a border post, which adds to its importance.


^{Chilahati Border Post}	^{Chilahati Railway VIP rest house}

Train timetable from the Chilahati


^{An intercity train}

Departure from Chilahati

Train No.	Train Name	Departure Time	Weekly Off Day	Destination
732	Barendra Express	5:00 AM	Sunday	Rajshahi
806	Chilahati Express	6:00 AM	Saturday	Dhaka
28	Rocket (Khulna Mail)	6:50 AM	—	Khulna
728	Rupsha Express	8:30 AM	Thursday	Khulna
3132	Mitali Express	2:25 PM	Sat–Mon–Tue–Thu–Fri	Dhaka
734	Titumir Express	3:00 PM	Wednesday	Rajshahi
748	Simanta Express	6:45 PM	Monday	Khulna
766	Nilsagar Express	8:00 PM	Tuesday	Dhaka

Arrivals at Chilahati

Train No.	Train Name	Arrival Time	Weekly Off Day	Origin
27	Rocket (Khulna Mail)	11:40 PM	—	Khulna
805	Chilahati Express	3:00 AM	Saturday	Dhaka
3131	Mitali Express	5:45 AM	Sat–Sun–Mon–Wed–Thu	India
747	Simanta Express	6:45 AM	Monday	Khulna
733	Titumir Express	1:00 PM	Wednesday	Rajshahi
765	Nilsagar Express	4:00 PM	Wednesday	Dhaka
727	Rupsha Express	5:05 PM	Thursday	Khulna
731	Barendra Express	9:25 PM	Sunday	Rajshahi

Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Please check online before traveling. ⚠️ Currently, the Mitali Express train service is suspended.

Final thoughts


^{An entry or exit point}

All in all, Chilahati Railway Station is one of the most important railway stations in Bangladesh. Its significance has grown even more with the establishment of an international route. Gradually, more modern facilities and improvements are being added to the station. Once all the upgrades are fully completed and I get a chance to visit again, I will share more detailed and important information about this iconic station with you all.

I am inviting @lirvic, @rauja apu & @shamimhossain to take part in the contest.

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