Dhaka-N'ganj train service resumes August 1

After nine months of suspension, train movement between Dhaka and Narayanganj will resume on August 1.
Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon disclosed this while briefing journalists at Narayanganj's Chashara station after visiting the track on Tuesday.
The Bangladesh Railway (BR) suspended the train movement from December 4 to carry out the Padma Rail Link project work.
The state agency is also constructing dual-gauge double line on the section, which has been delayed due to various problems.
According to the BR, 16 pairs of trains were operated between the two cities before the COVIC-19 outbreak, which came down to nine later although passengers' rush on the route was high.
The minister also said the dual-gauge double line work on Dhaka-Narayanganj route would resume soon, as a new contractor would be appointed for the project.
He said the previously appointed contractor has withdrawn itself from the project work due to various reasons. The project has been revised and got approval from the ECNEC recently to call fresh tender.
"We will start the work soon, and hope it will be completed within the scheduled time," he added.
The BR initiated the project in 2015 to turn the 17-kilometre track on Dhaka-Narayanganj section into a dual-gauge one, whose time has been extended five times doubling the project cost.

smunima@yahoo.com