Tk 52.72b plan to start train service from first day
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Munima Sultana
The Bangladesh Railway (BR) has taken an ambitious programme at a cost of Tk 52.72 billion (5,272 crore) to start train service between Dhaka and Jessore through the Padma multi-purpose bridge from the first day.
Officials said in the first phase, two projects would be implemented to start train service from the day of its beginning.
Under the two projects of the first phase, a 138km rail route would be established from Dhaka to Jessore via Bhanga, Pukuria, Faridpur and Pachuria.
"It is now decided to start rail service through the Padma bridge from the day one," a senior official of the Communications Ministry told the FE.
He said the government is now looking for lenders to implement the first two projects the development project proposals (DPP) of which are awaiting approval from the planning commission.
"The government is now determined to establish rail line between Dhaka and Jessore through the Padma bridge," the official said hinting that neighbouring and other Asian countries have shown interest in funding the rail projects as they would be benefited as well from the rail routes.
"Leading development partners including World Bank and Asian Development Bank have also given positive indication on the rail project funding," he added.
BR officials said they have earmarked a budget of Tk 49.81 billion to establish entirely new rail tract from Dhaka to Mawa-Jajira as the railway has no land and infrastructure of its own on the route.
The Bangladesh Railway (BR) has taken an ambitious programme at a cost of Tk 52.72 billion (5,272 crore) to start train service between Dhaka and Jessore through the Padma multi-purpose bridge from the first day.
Officials said in the first phase, two projects would be implemented to start train service from the day of its beginning.
Under the two projects of the first phase, a 138km rail route would be established from Dhaka to Jessore via Bhanga, Pukuria, Faridpur and Pachuria.
"It is now decided to start rail service through the Padma bridge from the day one," a senior official of the Communications Ministry told the FE.
He said the government is now looking for lenders to implement the first two projects the development project proposals (DPP) of which are awaiting approval from the planning commission.
"The government is now determined to establish rail line between Dhaka and Jessore through the Padma bridge," the official said hinting that neighbouring and other Asian countries have shown interest in funding the rail projects as they would be benefited as well from the rail routes.
"Leading development partners including World Bank and Asian Development Bank have also given positive indication on the rail project funding," he added.
BR officials said they have earmarked a budget of Tk 49.81 billion to establish entirely new rail tract from Dhaka to Mawa-Jajira as the railway has no land and infrastructure of its own on the route.