Train leaves Dhaka for Bhanga through Padma Bridge

The dreams of the people of 21 districts in the country’s southwestern region are coming true as the rail communication due to the Padma multi-purpose bridge is being implemented shortly. Bangladesh Railway, as part of the trial run on Dhaka-Bhanga route through the Padma Bridge, a special train left Kamalapur Railway Station this morning (September 7).

The train started its journey from Kamalapur Railway Station at 10:07 am. Meanwhile, a completely new train has left Faridpur for Dhaka yesterday (September 6). Both motor vehicles and trains were scheduled to run through Padma Bridge. Though plying of motor vehicles through the road portion was inaugurated, movement of trains was not launched. It has been announced that trains will ply through the Padma Bridge from October 10 next.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the new railway line on that day. Experts concerned said that it would ensure better connectivity among 21 south-western districts and capital Dhaka. Earlier, a test run of a train of the Padma Bridge rail link between Faridpur's Bhanga and the Padma Bridge viaduct at Shariatpur was conducted earlier.

The project will be implemented within June, 2024. About 99 percent of the work from Mawa to Bhanga section was completed. The construction of the rail link is moving fast, official sources said.

Under the fast-track project, the Bangladesh Railway is implementing the project to connect the capital with Jashore with a 169km rail line for Tk 39,246.79 crore, with Exim Bank of China providing Tk 21,036.70 crore as loan.

It said the Chinese government-nominated contractor China Railway Group Limited is implementing the project under China G2G system. After completing the project, the railway connectivity will improve accessibility to the capital city Dhaka with central and south western regions of the country through Padma Bridge covering new areas of Munshiganj, Shariatpur, Madaripur and Narail districts, the project details said. The project will establish alternate railway connectivity linking Dhaka-Jessore-Khulna with 212.05 km shorter route and improved operational facilities, it added.

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