Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday took the first train ride on Cox's Bazar-Chittagong route after inauguration of the railway line.

The premier took the ride on a train from Cox's Bazar to Ramu.

Earlier, Sheikh Hasina collected a ticket from a counter at the six-storey iconic oyster-shaped Cox’s Bazar railway station

She waved green flag and blew whistle before boarding the specially decorated train.

Setting another milestone in the country’s communication network, prime minister inaugurated the much-awaited 102-kilometre Chittagong-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge single railway line.

"Today, the Cox's Bazar is linked with the railway connectivity. This is the day of feeling proud," she said while opening the rail line.

The prime minister said she was really very much pleased as she in person could present at the inaugural ceremony.

The new rail track ushers new hope in strong footing of country's economy with boosting tourism, industrialization, business and trade as well.

Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Edimon Ginting and Secretary of the Railways Ministry Dr Md Humayun Kabir spoke at the function.

A number of ministers including Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, senior Awami League leaders and other dignitaries were present.

With the inauguration of the railway station, Cox's Bazar, having the world's largest sandy beach, has come under the rail connectivity, 133 years after the first initiative was taken during the British period.