Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan on Saturday said the Government is giving special emphasis on expanding Railway lines and its modernisation for covering the entire Bangladesh through Railway networks.
Terming the Railway as a national asset of Bangladesh, he said the Railway is one of the safe and easy roots for communication. After the opening of the Khulna-Mongla Railway root, it will play a vital role in the development of the economy of south-western region.
The railway minister made these remarks at a press briefing after visiting the alignment (Bridge no-10) of the Khulna-Mongla Railway project from Fultala Railway Station to Mohammadnagar Railway Station here this afternoon.
“Connectivity between Bangladesh with India, Nepal and Bhutan will enhance and the three countries will get benefits during the export and import of products at a lower cost by using the Railway line,” he said.
He, however, said after opening the Khulna-Mongla Railway route, huge employment will be created, the tourism sector will flourish side by side the country will earn huge revenue.
The construction work of a 5.13 kilometre-long Railway line on the Rupsha River has already been completed while 98.05 per cent has been completed from Fultola Station to Mohammadnagar Station, he said adding that the remaining works will be completed by October 31.
He also expected that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would inaugurate the Khulna-Mongla Railway line on November 9.
Secretary of Railway Ministry Dr Md Humayun Kabir, Project Director Md Arifuzzaman, Acting deputy commissioner Mukul Kumar Maitra, Chief engineer of the project Ahmed Hossain Masum, additional chief engineer Md Ariful Islam, among others, were present.
Mentionable, the Khulna-Mongla Railway line project is being implemented by Larsen and Tarbo and Irkon International of India.
Besides, the project has nine platforms, 107 small bridges and nine underpasses.
The construction work of 91 91-kilometre-long Fultala-Mongla double-lane Railway line is being completed with a cost of TK4,260.89 crore.
Later, the Minister visited Mongla Railway Station.
