Railways are being developed with a view to developing a balanced communication system.
Traditionally, Bangladesh Railway has had a weak, fragile rail system, for which initiatives have been taken to revamp the rail sector.
Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan made the comments at the signing ceremony of six joint consulting firms with Bangladesh Railways to provide consultancy services for the preparatory technical assistance project for the development of railway communication system at Rail Bhaban on Tuesday.
The railway minister said that we have traditionally got the rail system. Various projects have been undertaken to develop modern rail communication systems. Short, medium and long term plans have been adopted till 2045.
He said, “Consultancy services are being appointed for feasibility study and detailed design work on many of our important projects.
Our most important Hardinge Bridge has passed the centenary. Verification and detailed design for construction of a new bridge alongside Hardinge Bridge, construction of cord line on Narayanganj-Cumilla/Laksam route. If it is built, the distance between Dhaka and Chattogram will be reduced by 91 km.”
“BangabandhuSetu East-Tarakandi-Jamalpur-Dewanganj Bazar Section Conversion of Existing Meter Gauge Line to Dual Gauge Project, Jessore-Benapole Route Construction of a Broad Gauge Line Parallel to Existing Line Project, Bhairab Bazar-Mymensingh Section Conversion of Existing Meter Gauge Line to Dual Gauge or Broad Gauge Line Project, Santahar. An agreement was signed for feasibility study and detailed design of a total of 11 projects including conversion of existing meter gauge to broad gauge line in Bogra-Kaunia-Lalmonirhat section,” added the minister.
Nurul Islam Sujan said, “We have made a principled decision to convert the entire country's meter gauges to broad gauge.”
Regarding the consultancy service, the Railway Minister said, Railways is working to build its own consultancy firm by combining our officers who are leaving the service. By this, the country’s own capacity will be developed, as well as the country’s money will be saved.
The secretary of the Ministry of Railways Dr. Md. HumayunKabir presided over the signing ceremony, while Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md. Kamrul Ahsan among others was also present.