Kalni Express back to Dhaka

January 4, 2026

The afternoon train was scheduled to arrive 4 hours before my flight out of Dhaka, which should have been plenty of time. This was riskier than I originally thought, however, given the three hours delay yesterday (1), so I opted for the morning train (2). The train arrived about 1 hour late. The train attendant helped me find my car and seat. 

The train only lost another half hour en route to Dhaka. I pondered heading to the city center for a look around, but decided not to when I read a 10 mile ride to the airport takes 1 to 2 hours. Alighting at the airport, I found a quiet restaurant before heading to the airport fir a late flight.

(1) "Dhaka to Sreemangal sometimes takes 4 hours, sometimes it takes all day," Razbe said.

(2) Trains in Bangldesh sell out as soon as tickets go on sale. My guide was able to get me a seat on the vibrant railway-ticket black market. Unlike yesterday, when I rode in an air- conditioned car, today was a soft seat, no A/C.

Young goat found some fresh grass on the tracks at Sreemangal 

Graffito at railway station celebrating independence 

The Kalni Express

Paper my egg was served in on the train. It appears to be from a page of an English-language/civics workbook

Train surfing by locals (young men, of course) People even heaved up wheely bags. There are very few overpasses on Bangadesh Railways. At an earlier stop, I heard footsteps on the roof. The woman next to me acknowledge with a smile.

Bus driving is a contact sport in Dhaka