CHATTOGRAM, April 13: Railways Minister Md Mujibul Haque on Thursday said the Dhaka-Chattogram bullet train project will be implemented at a cost of Tk 320 billion, and a study on the project is now at final stage.
It will take only two and a half hours to reach Chattogram from Dhaka via Laksham after implementation of the project.
He said only 72 km of dual-gauge rail-track line is left unfinished on Dhaka-Chattogram route, which will be completed soon.
Besides, Second Kalurghat Rail-cum-Road Bridge will be constructed on Karnaphuli River as an alternative to the existing bridge as part of Chattogram-Gundhum railway network up to Cox's Bazar on Myanmar border.
He said these while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the month-long 26th Chittagong International Trade Fair (CITF), where the best stalls of the fair were also awarded.
Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) organised the programme at Polo Ground in the port-city.
The railways minister said Tk 161.35 billion has been allocated to renovate closed railway stations, rail-tracks and rail-bridges across the country.
He also assured CCCI of allotting the large pond behind World Trade Centre at Agrabad for turning the water-body into a Hatirjeel-like tourism spot through a beautification scheme.
Presided over by CCCI President Mahbubul Alam, the programme was also addressed by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of Chattogram Md Delwar Hossain and CCCI Vice President Syed Jamal Ahmed.
The CCCI president said CITF, organised by CCCI on a yearly basis, has been helping local producers a lot by showcasing their products and introducing those to global buyers.
He also requested the minister to take steps for improving railway container services as well as for enhancing passenger and cargo trains between Dhaka and Chattogram.
The CCCI vice president requested the minister to reduce the rent of Polo Ground, owned by Bangladesh Railways, by 50 per cent from the existing rate to facilitate organising CITF, which has been held at the venue for about two decades.
Later, the minister awarded prizes to the pavilions of Thailand, Step Footwear, Gazi Group, Apex Hussain Ltd, Ringo Ruti Maker, Abul Khair Milk Products Ltd, Hatil Complex Ltd, Akij Ceramics Ltd, RFL Plastic Ltd, Lub-rref (Bangladesh) Ltd and Navana Furniture Ltd.
The CCCI leaders said the fair has been extended to April 15 at the requests of stall owners and visitors. The 26th CITF started on March 12.
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