The Bangladesh Railway is experiencing one of the most significant periods in its 161-year history as it prepares to inaugurate three new railway routes connecting five districts. These developments aim to enhance connectivity and bring rail services to previously unlinked regions.
The highly anticipated 6.15km Padma Rail Bridge will be inaugurated with the goal of extending rail access to the country's southwest region. This achievement represents the realisation of a long-standing vision to connect people across the mighty Padma to Dhaka by land transport.
Additionally, two more rail lines are scheduled for inauguration in November. The Khulna-Mongla railway line will open on November 9, and the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar rail line, connecting Chattogram to the beach town, will be formally inaugurated on November 12, with a trial run set for October 15.
These new routes will usher in a new era for Bangladesh Railway, enabling direct rail connections between Dhaka and all major ports, including seaports and the largest land port. Furthermore, these developments align with the planned Trans Asian Railway, opening doors to international rail connectivity.
The 22-coach train on the Padma Rail Bridge will initially serve three districts on both sides of the bridge: Munshiganj, Shariatpur, and Madaripur. The rail network will expand to include Narail once the new track to Jashore is completed in June next year, leading to the rerouting of certain inter-city express trains. While the date for regular service initiation has not been confirmed, the proposed train fares may exceed bus fares.
The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is expected to be completed by June 2024, connecting 21 southwestern districts through a network spanning 215.2 km of the main line, loops, and branch lines.
These developments promise to significantly reduce travel time and distances and contribute to economic growth. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the new line, signifying the importance and historic nature of these rail expansions.
