An agreement has been signed between Bangladesh Railway and joint consultancy firm Oriental Consultancy Global Company Limited (Japan) for carrying out preparatory work for feasibility study and detailed design of 11 projects.

Project Director Mahbubur Rahman and GM Yuji Asano signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh Railway and Oriental Consultancy Global Company Limited, respectively, at Rail Bhaban on Tuesday.

Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon was present during the signing ceremony.

When talking to reporters, the minister said a number of projects have been taken to develop a modern rail communication system within 2045.

New rail bridge beside the Hardinge Bridge, building cord line from Narayanganj-Cumilla/Laksham route, construction of dual gauge on Bangabandhu Bridge East-Tarakandi-Jamalpur-Dewanganj Bazar section route, building a broad gauge on the existing Jashore-Benapole route, setting up of dual gauge line or broad gauge line on Bhairab-Bazar-Mymensingh section and convert the meter gauge line of Santahar-Bogura-Kaunia-Lalmonirhat section into broad gauge are among the 11 projects, he said.

“We have taken a decision in principle that the whole country will be brought under broad gauge line and the projects will be implemented at a cost of Tk 235.37 crore which will be financed by Asian Development Bank and the government,” said the minister.