Deal for circular rail’s feasibility study inked

Bangladesh Railway yesterday signed a deal with a China-Bangladesh joint venture firm to conduct feasibility study for construction of circular rail line around Dhaka -- aiming to reduce traffic congestion in the capital.

As per the contract signed at Rail Bhaban, the firm will conduct the study within one year at a cost of Tk 24.56 crore.

The study would find the best possible alignment for the circular rail, device a pragmatic system to run the line, identify appropriate technology, and find out whether the project will be economically, socially viable.

The firm will also prepare development project proposal for investment and provide an organisational structure.

Earlier, a pre-feasibility study was conducted for constructing the circular line.

The joint venture company is comprised of China Railway SIYUAN Survey and Design Group Company Limited, and two Bangladeshi groups -- BETS Consulting Services Ltd, Engineers and Advisors Ltd.

Project Director Monirul Islam Firozi and Chu Zhuquan of the joint venture company signed the contract on behalf their respective sides.

Firozi said efficient and reliable transport system is the lifeline of any densely populated city like Dhaka.

“The rapid population growth of Dhaka city warrants a better, comfortable and reliable public transport system. Circular rail can meet this demand in a better and efficient manner,” he said.

Mofazzel Hossain, secretary to railways ministry, said the circular rail line will be constructed in alignment with the existing Inner Ring Road of the city.

He urged the contractor to hold talks with other stakeholders like Roads and Highways Department and shipping ministry so that they support it and do not raise issues during implementation of the project.

Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan said the project is part of the government’s mega plan for the railway sector.

Bangladesh Railway Director General Qazi Md Rafiqul Alam also spoke the programme.