DHAKA: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved seven projects including the conversion of Akhaura-Sylhet Meter Gauge railway into dual gauge.

The approval came from the ECNEC meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area on Tuesday (April 9) with ECNEC chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Planning Minister MA Mannan said that a total of 7 projects were approved today involving an overall estimated cost of Taka 18,191.38 crore.

“Of the total project cost, Taka 6,622.43 crore will come from the state exchequer while the rest of Taka 11,568.95 crore from project assistance,” he said.

All the approved 7 projects are new projects.

The Planning Minister said the conversion of the Akhaura-Sylhet Section Dual Gauge Conversion project will be implemented by June 2025 with Taka 10,654.36 crore project assistances from China on G to G basis.

Under the project, some 225 kilometer existing meter gauge railway track under the Akhaura-Sylhet section would be converted into 239.14 kilometer dual gauge track.

Besides, the other major project operations includes construction of 49 major and 237 minor bridges, signaling works at 22 stations, construction of 16690 square meter residential buildings, barrack and dormitory, and some 200.30 acres of land acquisition.

According to the Planning Commission, the Akhaura-Sylhet section is very important considering economic aspect, tourism and internal and regional connectivity.

BDST: 1802 HRS, APR 9, 2019
SI/SMS