BR halts KSRM’s road construction in Sitakunda

The authorities concerned have stopped the construction work of a road on Bangladesh Railway land by Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills (KSRM) in Sitakunda of Chattogram. The group was constructing the road without notifying the authorities concerned.

Abidur Hamid, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Chattogram, on Thursday ordered the closure of the work and directed KSRM to remove construction materials from the site, according to officials.

Besides, he directed the Department of Lands to keep vigilance and beef up security.

This is not the first case of irregularities by KSRM in Chattogram.

According to locals and government officials, KSRM had bought a jute mill at Bhairabkunda of Sitaukunda and set up a rod factory there by taking an agricultural lease from the Railway to carry out the commercial activities.

Recently, the group began constructing a road on the rail site for access to the factory’s scrap depot. The DRM came to know the matter during a regular patrol on Wednesday.

Railway East DRM Abidur Hamid said some workers were constructing a road near the railway line. The road was reportedly being constructed by KSRM.

“When we wanted to see the documents for the land, they could not produce anything. Therefore, I have ordered to stop the construction work immediately. They have also been instructed to remove the soil kept for the road. Otherwise, stern action will be taken against them.”

The DRM added when the railway connection with Dhaka-Chattogram double line and Cox’s Bazar starts, a railway line will have to be constructed at that place. “They are building roads at such an important place without taking permission.”

Mahbub ul Karim, Chattogram Divisional Land Property Officer of Railway Eastern Zone, said an order has been given for the measurement of the land. Legal action will be taken if roads are constructed on railway lands.

When asked about the illegal road construction over the phone, KSRM Group Land Division Manager Mohammad Kamal lashed out at the correspondent. “What is your problem that KSRM is constructing the road, why are you calling everywhere, what is your problem?”