Elephant overpass built at Chunati sanctuary in Ctg

CHATTOGRAM, June 05: A decade after the government launched a groundbreaking initiative, a long-cherished dream of establishing a rail link between Cox's Bazar and Chattogram has now come true.

For the first time in Bangladesh, an overpass for elephants has been constructed on the rail link in Chunati sanctuary area of Lohagara upazila in Chattogram.

The railway line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar is around 100 kilometres. An elephant overpass has been constructed here on the railway line, keeping in mind that elephants can move freely.

The sources also said the elephant overpass is artificially created under the hills and many trees and plants are also planted on the overpass. Elephants will move through the overpass and trains will run below on the rail lines.

According to sources at Bangladesh Railway (BR), this is the first ever overpass for elephants in Bangladesh. There will also be two more underpasses on the sanctuary railway line. At least eight culverts have been constructed there.

Chunati Sanctuary Range Officer of Forest Department Mahmud Hossain said that wildlife may be frightened by the sound of railways or whistles during movement. Later, the wild animals, including elephants, maybe get used to the sounds of trains. But, it may take time.

[email protected]