Dhaka-Ctg rail trip to be faster as whole route turns into double-line

CHATTOGRAM, July 16: The journey time on the Dhaka-Chattogram rail route will be reduced by one and a half hours as the construction work of the dual-gauge double-line of the 72-kilometre Laksham-Akhaura rail line has been completed now. It is scheduled to be inaugurated on July 20.
According to the officials of Bangladesh Railway, with the inauguration of the project, the average train speed on the Dhaka-Chattogram route will be 120km per hour. The newly-completed 72km double rail line will help increase efficient train operation and ease fast-growing freight and intercity passenger traffic.
Sources said a total of 118km of rail line on the Dhaka-Chattogram rail route was double line from the beginning.
Later, the government has taken initiative to turn another 131km of single line to a double line.
The work of the 131-kilometre double-line rail route was successfully completed.
Finally, the 72-kilometre Laksham-Akhaura rail line has been turned into a double line from the single line, connecting the Dhaka-Chattogram rail route.
As a result, the total 321-kilometre rail line of the Dhaka-Chattogram rail route has turned into a double line.
Project Director of the 72-kilometre Laksham-Akhaura rail line project, Md Sabuktagin, said, "The construction work of the project has successfully been completed. The double track rail line will be inaugurated on July 20."
Engineer Abdur Rashid, president of the Institute of Engineers (IEB) Chattogram and also a city planner, said, "The newly-built 72-kilometre double track has turned the entire Dhaka and Chattogram route into double line. It will facilitate transportation of passengers and goods without any hassle."
President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Mahbubul Alam said, "The double rail line of the Dhaka-Chattogram rail route will help improve the overall railway transport system in Bangladesh. It will reduce transport costs and improve logistics of strategic corridors for sub-regional trade."
"At present, it takes around six and half hours to reach Dhaka from Chattogram by train. With the completion of the Laksham-Akhaura double rail line, the time will be reduced by around one and a half hours. It will save valuable working hours for the people," he added.
Bangladesh Railway implemented the project named 'Construction of Dual Gauge Double Rail Line and Conversion of Existing Rail Line into Dual Gauge between Akhaura and Laksam'. The existing tracks were upgraded in accordance with the requirements of the Trans-Asia Railways network under the project. Moreover, Bangladesh Railway has constructed 11 railway stations on this route with special facilities for the elderly, women, children and disabled.

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