Parabat Express

Parabat Express (Train no. 709/710) is an intercity train which runs between Dhaka and Sylhet, two important cities in Bangladesh. It has been considered one of the most prestigious and luxurious trains since the inception of intercity train in Bangladesh in 1986.

History
Parabat Express made its inaugural run on 19 March 1986 with the allocated train n° 709 (up)/710 (down). It was introduced as inter-city train offering luxurious and fast service. Since its inauguration, the train has originated from Dhaka Railway Station. The Parabat Express receives priority right-of-way on the Bangladesh Railway network. It has fewer stops than other Dhaka-Sylhet express trains and halts only at prominent stations.

Schedule
The train runs between Dhaka and Sylhet district while touching other districts like Gazipur, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Habiganj and Maulavibazar. It departs Kamalapur railway station at 06:20 AM (Bangladesh Standard Time) and arrives in Sylhet at 01:00 PM. On the return trip, it departs Sylhet at 03:45 PM and arrives in Dhaka at 10:40 PM. It runs all days of the week except Tuesday.

Carriages
The train currently runs with 16 PT Inka (Industri Kereta Api) made air-brake coaches. This coaches were introduced to the service on 2 September 2016. The train has eight chair car, two ac chair car, two non ac chair car, two guard brake with attached dining, one non ac cabin and one generator car. Prior to introducing Inka coaches, the train ran with old vacuum brake coaches. However, the train used to run with Iranian air-brake coaches in between 1998 and 2011. Later, due to maintenance problem, Iranian airbrake coaches were replaced with vacuum coaches in 2011.

Locomotive
Parabat Express usually is hauled by a Class 2900 locomotive of Bangladesh Railway. However, sometimes due to a rolling stock shortage it is hauled by a Class 2600. The train needs an air-braked locomotive which is mandatory.

Stoppages

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

Passenger interest
People usually travel Parabat Express for its punctual and fast service. The train has more AC carriages than any other Dhaka-Sylhet express trains. This attracts passengers who prefer luxurious travel experience. Furthermore, travelling by express allows its passenger to view the scenery of Sylhet division. Passengers can see trackside hills, tea gardens and rural lifestyle while travelling by Parabat Express.



Accident of Locomotive no. 2933
Locomotive no. 2933 was one of the newest locomotives of Class 2900 which met fatal accident in Noyapara, Madhabpur upazila, Habiganj district on 7 October 2016. The locomotive caught fire soon after it derailed with Parabat Express near Noapara Railstation. The driver cab and electrical cabinet of the locomotive were destroyed in the fire, and the locomotive had to undergo heavy repairs.