Ctg-Cox’s Bazar rail line: Flood damages may delay project

The Chattogram-Cox's Bazar rail line project may face delay as several parts of the under-construction track has been damaged due to severe flooding in the region. The flood has wreaked havoc on Bandarban, Satkania and Chandanaish of Chattogram, and Chakaria, Pekua and Ramu of Cox's Bazar, said Mofizur Rahman, project director of the rail link project.

He also said the rail track in Satkania near Bandarban has been mostly affected. "In some parts, the track has gone under water while in other areas stones, earth and embankment have washed away," the project director said.

"We are yet to get the full damage report since full communication could not be restored with the region," he said. Mofizur said onrush of water from the hilly region of Bandarban hit the railway track near Keranirhat in Satkania and Lohagara of Chattogram.

Refuting a claim that the rail track obstructed floodwater from receding, he said water on both sides of the track remain the same. There are over 200 culverts and bridges between Cox's Bazar and Chattogram allowing the natural flow of water, he said.

The under-construction rail line is scheduled to open by September this year, said Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan on May 16.

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