2 hrs train journey to reach Ctg from Dhaka

The government on Thursday signed a contract with a Chinese company to conduct feasibility study and prepare detail design for construction of Dhaka-Chattogram via Cumilla/Laksham High-Speed rail link.

China Railway Design Corporation (CRDC) and Mazumder Enterprise (ME), Bangladesh Consortium (CRDC-ME-Consortium) will jointly conduct the feasibility study and prepare detail design of the proposed rail link project at a cost of Tk 1.02 billion.

Project director M Kamrul Ahsan and business manager of International Business Department Liu Weichao signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

According to the deal, the consultant company will conduct the feasibility study and prepare a detailed design within next 18 months.

Witnessing the signing ceremony as the chief guest, railways minister M Mujibul Haque said Dhaka-Chattogram rail link is an important railway corridor of the country.

He said the existing Dhaka-Chattogram rail link runs for 320-km through Tongi, Bhairab, Akhaura, Cumilla and Feni and the proposed route will reduce 91-kilometer distance. The high-speed train, however, will run on a special track through Dhaka-Chattogram via Cumilla/Laksham within two hours, the minister added.

Among others, railways secretary M Mofassel Hossian, director general of Bangladesh Railways M Amjad Hossain and officials were present.