CHITTAGONG, Oct 2: The construction of the much cherished 128 km long Dohazari - Ghundhum rail line is likely to begin in November next.
"We have already signed a deal with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in this regard on September 16 last. So we hope the construction works will begin in November next," Project Director Mofizur Rahman told The Daily Observer. The ADB financed Taka 18,034 crore project is scheduled to be implemented in three years.
Chinese company CREC and Bangladesh's Toma construction Company will jointly implement the first lot of the project from Dohazari to Chakaria at Taka 2687.99 crore.
Another Chinese company CCECC and Bangladesh's Max Infrastructure limited will jointly implement another portion of the project from Chakaria to Ramu at Tk 3502.5 crore.
Under the project, dual gauge railway line, 184 bridges, nine station buildings, platforms and sheds will be constructed. Besides railway embankment, railway tracks, bridges and culverts, stations and building, signaling and telecommunications, and environment friendly ancillary works will also be completed.
The Land Ministry has approved the proposal of the acquisition of land on November 17 last year. Survey and other formalities for acquisition of 365 acres of land in Satkania and Lohagara upazilas under Chittagong District have earlier been completed.
Meanwhile, the Cox's Bazar district administration has completed the survey and other formalities to acquire a total of 1,000 acres of land in Chokoria, Ramu, Ukhiya and Cox's Bazar sadar upazilas of the district.
Project Director Mofizur Rahman confirmed that meanwhile a total of Taka 2,288 crore has been disbursed to the two district administrations as compensation for land acquirement.
During the current month, the concerned district administrations will begin the payment of compensation money to the affected land owners.
Meanwhile, ADB has estimated the project cost between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion for the 128-kilometre-long rail-line project up to the border with Myanmar.
The 128.22 km long rail line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar and from Ramu to Ghundhum will have 10 stations, 47 railway bridge including four large bridges, 149 concrete culverts.
With the implementation of the project a longstanding demand of the people of this part will be materialised. Moreover, the rail line will connect the port city of Chittagong to the tourist city of Cox's Bazar.
The tourism industry will immensely be developed in Cox's Bazar with the materialization of the project. About 24 lakh passengers are expected to travel by the proposed rail line.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum