Diesel Electric Multiple Unit trains begin their official service from Chittagong Railway Station yesterday. Photo: File

The much-awaited commuter trains known as Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMU) are set to hit the tracks in Chittagong today.
Railway Minister Md Mujibul Hoque will inaugurate two DEMUs at 11:00am at Chittagong Railway Station, said Md Mizanur Rahman, deputy director (public relations) of Railway East Zone.
Of the two, one named “Chittagong Circular Train” will ply across the port city every day and the minimum fare is Tk 15, said railway sources.
Another, named “Chittagong-Laksham Commuter Train”, will make one round trip between Chittagong and Laksham daily. The maximum fare for this 132km route is Tk 60.
Each DEMU has three coaches with a capacity of 300 passengers.
The DEMU can make faster trips as it has engines at both ends and moves at a speed of 80km per hour, said Sukumar Bhowmick, Chittagong divisional railway manager.
So far, 14 DEMUs have been imported from China, and six more will soon arrive, according to the railway sources.