The state-run Bangladesh Railway (BR) has drawn up a massive plan to convert major routes into double tracks for faster intercity communications, officials said.
In the first phase, they said, the BR will build a fresh double-track dual-gauge railway line and convert the existing seven key routes across the country.
Communications experts said the absence of double-track lines is one of major hindrances to improving the service and reducing higher travel time.
The single-track railway lines stand in the way of operating passenger and freight trains and wagons smoothly, they observed.
A senior BR official said, "We've undertaken a Tk 2.47-billion project to conduct a feasibility study on the proposed double track."
"We've already sought approval for the project from the Planning Commission," he told the FE.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has come forward to finance the study, the official disclosed.
As planned, BR will turn Abdulpur-Rajshahi, Abdulpur-Shantahar-Parbatipur, Shantahar-Bogura-Kaunia-Lalmonirhat, Bhairab Bazar-Mymensingh, Dhaka-Narayanganj-Lakhsham, Jessore-Benapole and Bangabandhu Bridge East-Tarakandi-Jamalpur-Dewanganj Bazar railway sections into double-track dual-gauge lines.
The railway service provider has also decided to establish a fresh double-track line between Shantahar (Bogura) and Amnura (Chapainawabganj) to cut travel time between Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions.
Almost all the 2,955.53-kilometre railway network has a single-track line which does not allow smooth operations of passenger and freight carriers.
BR has so far taken projects to upgrade four major railroad tracks into double ones. They are Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Tongi-Joydevpur-Iswardi, Dhaka-Narayanganj, and Khulna-Darshana tracks.
Another official of the state-run BR said they aim to link all the major cities and cross-border towns with Dhaka in the next few years.
The government aims to establish a good national and regional communications system, he mentioned.
"Bangladesh was once connected with neighbouring India through railways. The network will be revived to boost economic activity in this region."
Once double tracks are built, the official said, direct and intercity trains need not wait for crossing another train on any route across the country.
Soon after completing the feasibility study of five more rail routes, they would go for conversion, he added.
BR has started work on the conversion of Dhaka-Chattogram railway line into a double-track one with support from Manila-based lender.
ADB will facilitate the feasibility study on the Tk 2.47-billion project for the five railway routes.
Of the total cost, ADB will provide Tk 1.70 billion and the remaining Tk 760.88 million be borne by Bangladesh from its internal resources.
The study is due for completion in December 2022.
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