Tongi-Joydebpur dual gauge double rail line to be opened by Dec

Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan today said the under-construction Tongi-Joydebpur dual gauge double rail line in Gazipur district will be opened by December next.

He said while talking to journalists during his visit to witness the project progress of construction of the third and fourth dual gauge rail lines from Dhaka to Tongi section and dual gauge double rail line from Tongi to Joydebpur section.

Asked about reopening of those railway stations, which remain shut for long, the minister said once the ongoing recruitment process in 47,600 posts in railways is done, it would be possible to reopen the stations quickly.

Asked whether any decision is taken to raise railway fare due to fuel price hike, he said decision has not been taken yet but the authorities are initially thinking of the matter.

"As different transport agencies are raising fares, we also need to adjust fare considering the reality," he said.

Dhaka-Tongi third and fourth dual gauge and Tongi-Joydebpur double rail line are being constructed under the Indian line of credit (LoC).

Works are underway to open the operation of trains on 12-kilometere Tongi-Joydebpur dual gauge double rail line out of 42 kilometers from Dhaka to Joydebpur by December.

The project is being implemented at a cost of Taka 1300 crore.

The railways minister inspected the entire project works from Dhaka to Joydebpur by 'ganker'.

Bangladesh Railways Additional Director General (infrastructure) Md Kamrul Ahsan, Project Director Naznin Ara Keya and other officials concerned also accompanied the minister during the inspection, reports BSS.