Chattogram -Cox's Bazar rail operation by Nov

The minister confirmed that a full-fledged train service is scheduled to commence on this route by November 2.

Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan announced on Monday that the construction of the Chattogram -Cox's Bazar railway line is on the verge of completion, overcoming challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and recent floods. 

The minister confirmed that a full-fledged train service is scheduled to commence on this route by November 2. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will officially inaugurate the railway line on November 12.

Inspecting the progress of the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar railway project on Monday morning, the railways minister briefed journalists about the latest developments.

Minister Sujan initiated his visit by inspecting the renovation work on the railway bridge over the Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat in Chittagong. 

He later proceeded to the Dohazari area to assess the advancement of the project titled “Construction of Single Line Dual Gauge Track from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar via Ramu.”

Following the examination of the Kalurghat bridge renovation work, the minister said: "We encountered numerous challenges during the construction of this railway line. The pandemic disrupted our progress, and recent floods caused damage to the railway lines. Nonetheless, we are nearing completion.”

Addressing the deteriorated railway bridge, he said: "This is an old bridge seeing heavy train and vehicular traffic. We're establishing a separate lane here. Initially, we will complete the main bridge's renovation, followed by the walkway. The walkway work might commence in two to three months, but the main bridge will be suitable for train travel before that."

He added that a new bridge will also be constructed there, fulfilling a longstanding demand of the locals. 

After visiting Dohazari, Minister Nurul Islam Sujan said: "I visited to witness the project's latest progress. We are nearing completion, and the remaining work is expected to conclude by October 30. The signaling system will be activated, and the railway line will be fully operational for train services. Only a few stations may require additional work."

Responding to a question regarding fare, he said: "The decision on the number of passenger and freight trains, as well as fares, will be finalized after the prime minister opens the project. However, we are actively considering advanced passenger coaches."

Highlighting the benefits of the railway, Minister Sujan said: "Currently, people travel to Cox's Bazar by air or road. The railway offers an eagerly awaited alternative. People from across the country are keen on this railway, aiming for an affordable, safe, and comfortable train system. This project is designed to fulfill those hopes. We envision connecting this railway with the deep-sea port in Matarbari in the future, providing multiple functionalities."

In 2011, an initiative was launched to establish a railway link from the port city of Chittagong to Dohazari, extending to the tourist destination of Cox's Bazar. 

On April 3 of that year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the meter gauge railway from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar via Ramu. The railway stretches 88km from Dohazari to Ramu, with an additional 12km from Ramu to Cox's Bazar.

Although the project commenced in 2011, actual construction started in 2018. Initially estimated at Tk1,852 crore, the construction cost for the dual gauge and single-track railway project was later revised to Tk18,034.47 crore in 2016, before the work officially began.

Project sources confirm the completion of 39 bridges, 242 culverts, and 144 level crossings among the project's accomplished tasks. 

This 100km railway will feature nine stations, with construction finished for six stations. 

The remaining three stations are expected to be completed by December, as stated by project officials.