Construction to start by July: Minister

The government has planned to start construction of the 53-killometre Khulna-Mongla Port rail line by July this year, said Railway Minister Md Mujibul Hoque yesterday.
Besides, modernisation works of Khulna Railway Station costing Tk 84 crore will begin soon, he said at a press briefing following a meeting in Khulna Circuit House auditorium in Khulna city.
The railway minister held the view-exchange meeting with local representatives and government officials on finalising the alignment of the rail line construction from Khulna to Mongla Port.
He said the government will purchase at least 20 new trains, alongside new engines and coaches, from China, India and Japan by June this year.
He added that more Dhaka-Khulna intercity trains will be brought in within the next six months while construction work of the Khulna-Darshana double rail line will also start depending on fund availability.
Economic Advisor to Prime Minister Dr Moshiur Rahman, State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnuzan Sufian, and Mayor of Khulna City Corporation Talukder Abdul Khaleque attended the meeting.