“Just as our nation’s independence was once a dream for us, the operation of trains over the Padma Bridge was also a dream for the people in this area, and through the government’s dedicated efforts, that dream has now been realized.”
– Abul Foyez Shah Newaz, freedom fighter
On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Dhaka-Bhanga railway line, which includes a section running across the Padma Bridge. This event marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing infrastructure development.
The commencement of the 82-kilometer railway track, connecting Dhaka to Bhanga upazila in Faridpur under the “Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project,” realizes the enduring aspiration of the residents in the southwestern districts of the nation.
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The grand ceremony was presided over by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan and attended by Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter, Sheikh Rehana.
Notable figures, including Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and local MP (Munshiganj-2) Sagufta Yasmin Emily, addressed the gathering. Railways Secretary Dr. Md Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome speech.
Following the official unveiling of the newly constructed railway line on the nation’s longest bridge, the Prime Minister embarked on a special inaugural train to Bhanga, where she received a warm welcome from a jubilant crowd of thousands.
Padma Bridge Rail Link Route and Design Details
On October 14th of the previous year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the commencement of construction on a railway connection between Dhaka and Jessore as part of the “Padma Bridge Rail Link Project.”
The Padma bridge rail link route and design details encompass a 170km rail link consisting of four sections:
- Dhaka-Gandaria- 3km
- Gandaria-Mawa section-37km
- Mawa-Bhanga section-42km
- Bhanga Junction-Jessore section-87km
Additionally, the project involves the incorporation of 43.2km of loop and siding line, resulting in a total track length of 215.2km.
PBRLP necessitates the acquisition of 1,796 acres of land and the construction of 66 major bridges, which includes the imposing 6.1 km-long Padma bridge, as well as 244 minor bridges, one underpass, and 29 level crossings throughout the entire route. The collective bridge length along the route will exceed 30km, while the total viaduct length will be 23.7km.
Situated within the Mawa-Bhanga section of the rail link project, the Padma bridge will serve to connect Mawa to the existing network of the western zone of Bangladesh Railway through the Bhanga-Faridpur-Pachuria-Rajbari rail line.
Furthermore, the rail link project encompasses the construction of 14 new station buildings, the renovation of six existing station buildings, and the implementation of computer-based railway relay interlocked signaling and telecommunications systems for 20 stations. The entire railway project linking Dhaka and Jessore is set to be finished by June 2024.
Once the project is completed, trains will be capable of traveling at speeds between 120 and 130 kilometers per hour.
The Dhaka-Jessore railway line will have no level crossings, as underpasses are being constructed at each crossing along the route from Dhaka to Jessore. The distance from Dhaka to Bhanga is approximately 82 kilometers. The new railway line from Gandaria in Dhaka connects to the Padma Bridge via Keraniganj.
Trains will be able to travel from Kamalapur to Bhanga via Gandaria along the Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line.
Within the framework of the project, 100 modern passenger coaches have already been acquired. These coaches will be used to enhance the appearance of the train rakes when introducing new trains.
The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project At a Glance:
- The Padma Bridge rail link project approval date – May 3, 2016
- Its construction cost was estimated to be around- Tk34,989 crore
- the project proposal was amended – May 22, 2018
- Then, the cost increased to Tk39,247 crore.
The cost may increase further, according to concerned authorities.
Funding Details of The Project
The Padma Bridge rail link project, funded by the Chinese, is under construction through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement. The project is being executed by the Chinese contractor, China Railway Engineering Group (CREC), with financial support from China’s Exim Bank.
- China shoulders – 85% of the project’s total cost,
- The Government of Bangladesh provides – the remaining 15%.
In April 2018, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) within the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Bangladesh inked a $2.67 billion loan agreement with the China Exim Bank to secure financing for the project.
The project’s overall commercial contract value stands at $3.13 billion. China offers $2.67 billion (equivalent to 85%) in the form of preferential buyer’s credit, and the Government of Bangladesh contributes $470.81 million (representing 15%) towards project funding.
Benefits of the Padma Bridge Rail Link
The completion of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project holds the promise of delivering extensive economic, transportation, and connectivity advantages to Bangladesh.
Potential Impact on Transportation in the Region and Connectivity:
The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is set to have a profound effect on transportation and connectivity in the region. This bridge is projected to significantly enhance transport efficiency, reduce travel time, and decrease expenses for journeys between distant cities.
Furthermore, it will enhance accessibility for commuters, fostering connections between different parts of the country. This, in turn, is poised to benefit industries and businesses, with increased trade opportunities, improved logistics capabilities, and reduced transport costs leading to positive impacts on their bottom lines.
Additionally, the project is positioned to revitalize Mongla Port, creating additional opportunities for exports and imports through enhanced port infrastructure.
Economic Boost:
The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is expected to exert a significant positive influence on Bangladesh’s economy, both in the southern region and nationwide. The link between Dhaka and Khulna, facilitating transit between northeast India and Burma, is anticipated to drive economic growth by boosting trade.
Studies indicate an annual increase of 2% in GDP for South Bengal upon completion, contributing between 1.3% to 2% to the national GDP growth rate. The project’s ripple effect extends to the Mongla Port, offering substantial opportunities for exports and imports and providing the apparel industry with improved market access and efficient transportation options.
Potential for Tourism:
The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project has the potential to enhance tourism in the area, offering tourists from Bangladesh and beyond expanded opportunities for exploration. By facilitating regional connectivity and seamless traffic movement, the project will simplify travel across the country, potentially unlocking new markets for tourist attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.
Furthermore, the project brings considerable economic benefits, potentially drawing more visitors to the region and enhancing their overall travel experiences.
Benefits for Travelers and the Local Economy:
The Padma Bridge Rail Link project assures significant benefits for travelers and the local economy. By bridging Bangladesh’s final geographical gap, the project will markedly enhance transportation and connectivity within the region, ultimately resulting in increased mobility and more convenient travel between different regions.
People’s Sentiment Regarding the Rail Link
The rail link has been a long-cherished aspiration for the people of the southwestern region, encompassing Faridpur, Gopalganj, Madaripur, and Narail, and it is on the verge of becoming a reality.
This development will provide a safe and cost-effective means of travel for commuters journeying from Dhaka to the southwestern region.
According to Abul Foyez Shah Newaz, a freedom fighter, “Just as the country’s independence was once a distant dream, so too was the prospect of trains crossing the Padma Bridge for the people of this region. Thanks to the government’s dedicated efforts, this dream has now materialized.”
Mosharraf Hossain Musha Mia, Chairman of Faridpur’s Boalmari Upazila, noted, “In the past, we endured significant hardships and exorbitant bus fares while traveling to our home villages from Dhaka during Eid. However, now, the people of this region will be able to travel at an affordable cost.”
AKM Zahid Hasan, Chairman of Alfadanga Upazila, highlighted the economic benefits, stating that people in the area had to spend Tk500-550 per person when traveling to Dhaka for business purposes. He added, “Once train service commences, they can easily transport their goods at a lower cost.”
Nazrul Islam, President of the Faridpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the advantages of this rail link extend to jute mill owners and onion traders, who will now be able to transport their goods more affordably and quickly.
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