DHAKA: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) gave an approval to a project worth Tk 34,988.86-crore to install rail tracks to connect the south-western part of the country through the Padma Bridge.

The mega-project was approved on Tuesday (May 3) at NEC conference room in city with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

A total of 215.22-km new rail tracks, including loop sidings and double tracks, will be installed from Dhaka to Jessore through Padma Multipurpose Bridge under the project.

Besides, 24-km viaduct, two-km ramps, 66 small bridges, 244 culverts, one highway overpass, 29 level crossings and 40 underpasses will be constructed under the project.

A total of 1,664 acres of land will be acquired, 14 new sections to be constructed and six to be modernized, 100 broad-gauge compartments to be bought and telecommunication system at 20 stations will also be established under the project.

Of the expenditure, Bangladesh government will provide Tk 9,953.69-crore while rest will be provided by China government.

Railway ministry sources said they were expecting the installation work will be started in 2017 and completed by 2022.

This would develop the communication system between the south-western part, including Jessore, Khulna, Benapole, Barisal and Mongla, of the country and Dhaka.

Railway ministry sources also said that Barisal and Payra sea ports will be connected with the route in future.

BDST: 1450 HRS, MAY 03, 2016
SR/RR/SMS