Dhaka, June 20 -- A direct train service between Dhaka and Pabna will begin in August, Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said.

He noted that plans are under way to introduce a direct train service on the Dhaka-Khulna route as well in a later phase.

The minister made the remarks on Saturday after a meeting with officials of the district administration and the Roads and Highways Department at the Pabna Circuit House on development projects.

He said two new train routes would be launched in August as part of efforts to improve the country's transport connectivity.

"Locomotives are ready, and new coaches will be added soon," he said.

On the relocation of the Kazirhat Ferry Terminal, the minister said preliminary work for the proje...