CHATTOGRAM, May 08: A total of 85 per cent work of the under-construction Chattogram-Dohazari-Cox's Bazar-Gumdhum (CDCG) train route has already been completed.
The CDCG authority is trying to complete the project before the extended schedule and is expecting to conduct the trial run of trains on the route in the current year, said sources associated with the development.
As per the sources, the construction work of 84km rail line out of 128km from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar has already been completed.
Moreover, the construction work of three railway stations, out of nine, has so far been completed.
The construction of two-three more stations will be completed by September, while the work of remaining ones is going on in full swing now, they added.
CDCG Project Director Mohammad Mofizur Rahman said, "Over 85 per cent of construction work of the project has been completed, and the rest will be finished by June this year."
The project was scheduled to be completed by June 2022, but the deadline was extended by two years until June 2024, said Mr Rahman.
He hoped that the test run of trains on the route up to Cox's Bazar would begin in the current year.
According to project officials, a total of 100km single line and dual-gauge rail line is being constructed between Dohazari and Cox's Bazar.
There will be 39 major bridges and 242 culverts on this rail line. Besides, underpasses and overpasses are being built for movement of elephants.
Officials said the 128-km route will have nine railway stations at Satkania, Lohagora, Chokoria, Dulahazra, Eidgao, Ramu, Cox's Bazar Sadar, Ukhiya, and Gumdum. These stations will have a hundred per cent computer-based interlocking signal system and a fully digitalised telecommunications network.
Moreover, three large bridges are being built over the Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bankhali rivers, along with 43 small bridges, 201 culverts and 144 level crossings. A couple of crossings on highways will be constructed at Ramu and Cox's Bazar and a flyover at Kewchiya of Chattogram's Satkania.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation of the project in April 2011. A total of 88-km-long railway tracks will be installed from Dohazari to Ramu, 12km from Ramu to Cox's Bazar and 28km from Ramu to Gumdum.
An iconic rail station is being constructed in the shape of an oyster in Cox's Bazar where all international standard facilities will be available.
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