Deal for rehabilitation of run-down Ctg rail tracks

Bangladesh Railway signed an agreement with two companies yesterday for rehabilitation of Fouzdarhat-Chittagong Port Yard-Strand Road Victoria-Chittagong Section.
The accord was inked with Indian company Encee Rail Linkers and Bangladeshi company Toma Construction and Co Ltd.
Under the deal, 37.50 kilometres of railway tracks -- 12-kilometre Fouzderhat-Chittagong Port Yard Main Line, 17.50-kilometre Chittagong Port Yard, five-kilometre Chittagong Port Yard-Strand Road Victoria-Chittagong and three-kilometre Strand Road Victoria Yard -- would be rehabilitated.
The estimated cost of the rehabilitation project is Tk 85.49 crore.
Bangladesh Railway Chief Engineer (East) Nur Mohammad and Toma Construction Managing Director M Ataur Rahman signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at a function at Rail Bhaban in the city.
Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain was present at the signing ceremony as the chief guest.
Road and Railway Division Secretary M Mozammel Haq Khan and Bangladesh Railway Director General M Belayet Hossain addressed the function.
The communications minister said transportation of goods meant for export and import through the Chittagong port would be easy once the dilapidated railway lines are rehabilitated.
It will enhance the speed of the goods trains too, he added.
He asked the contracting firm to complete the rehabilitation project on time.
Talking to journalists, the minister said the present government has taken various projects for development of railway sector, adding that Ecnec has already approved projects involving Tk 2,700 crore in this sector.
Replying to a question, he said the government is considering introducing more commuter trains between Dhaka and adjoining districts.
Road and Railway Division Secretary hoped that the rehabilitation of the railway lines under the project would complete within the stipulated time.
Fouzdarhat-Chittagong Port Yard, Strand Road Victoria-Chittagong Section was opened for traffic in 1895. This line has now become risky for it has been dilapidated over the years.
Railway sources said on completion of the project, transportation will be increased and overall wagon and engine turnaround and operation efficiency will increase as well as it will contribute to the country's economic growth.