Railway
Metro rail increases trips, commuters elated
Daily commuters including service holders and traders have expressed joy as the Metro Rail authorities are operating trains every 8 minutes during peak hours from Saturday (February 17, 2024).
The number of metro rail trips increased to 26 and as a result a total of 178 trains will run each day instead of 152, said MN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).
About the new timings, Siddque said, three trains will run from Uttara between 7:10 am to 7:30 am and train will run from 7:31am to 11:48 am every 8 minutes during peak hours. After that, train will run from 11:49am to 3:12pm (off peak hours) every12 minutes as before and every 8 minutes from 3:13pm to 8:00 pm (peak hours), he added.
Read: Crane collapse on rail tracks from Elevated Expressway disrupts train movement
Nazrul Isalm, a regular commuter of the Metro Rail at Mirpur-11 Rail Station, said the pressure of commuters is comparatively less due to the new schedule and it’s a relief for people.
Hossain, another commuter at the same station, said “It will be better if the timing can be reduced to 3.5 minutes.”
Except Friday, now Metro Rail will run from Uttara-Motijheel from 7:10 am to 8:40 pm while the MRT and Rapid Pass users can travel by metro rail that leaves Motijheel station at 8 pm.
At present, the trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours. The new timings are applicable for peak hours only, said MN Siddique.
He said that earlier the number of trains' trips were 152 every day, now it has been increased to 178.
Siddique said that currently metro trains carry about 2.70 lakh passengers on an average every day.
Read: Metro Rail to run after every 8 minutes during peak hours from Saturday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the first metro rail in Dhaka on December 28, 2022. At that time the metro train was running from Uttara to Agargaon. Later the prime minister inaugurated the Agargaon to Motijheel section of the Metro Rail on November 4 last year. The next day, on November 5, metro rail service started from Uttara to Motijheel.
Surge in fatalities at unauthorized rail crossing in Feni: 8 dead in 4 months
In Feni, a concerning rise in accidents at rail tracks, especially at unauthorized level crossings, has led to eight fatalities and numerous injuries over the past four months. These incidents, often resulting from a combination of unauthorized crossings, gateman negligence, and the public's lack of awareness, underscore the urgent need for improved railway safety measures.
Swapna Rani Debi, a 42-year-old land deed writer, tragically lost her life under a train while navigating the level crossing at Shahdadpur, highlighting the grave risks associated with these crossings. The Feni railway sector, stretching 27 kms from Sashardi to Muhuriganj, comprises 22 authorized and 12 unauthorized crossings, with a significant concentration of the latter at Muhuriganj.
Riton Chakma, deputy assistant engineer of Railway’s East region, said, “Roads are being built over the level crossing and six unauthorized level-crossings are in Muhuriganj point alone while six others are in Sashardi, Dewanganj and Fazilpur points.”
Barendra Express train narrowly escapes accident; rail link with Rajshahi suspended
Despite efforts to close these unauthorized paths, locals continue to create new routes, often leading to disastrous outcomes.
Feni Barahipur level crossing gateman, Jibon, noted that despite lowering gates upon receiving signals, impatience and reckless attempts to cross the tracks contribute significantly to the accidents.
Feni Rail Station Master Md Harun attributes the proliferation of unauthorized crossings to residential developments along the railway, exacerbating the risk of trackside fatalities.
In addition to Swapna Rani Debi, the past four months have seen the deaths of Farida Yeasmin, Md Rubel, Md Sharif, and Shahidul Islam on the Dhaka-Chattogram rail track in Feni, with three other victims remaining unidentified.
The issue was starkly highlighted on October 11, 2022, when a train collided with a bus at the Fatehpur level crossing on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, resulting in four deaths.
Rail communications on new Cox’s Bazar route snapped following collision
The Railway Division reports that Feni hosts 34 level crossings, with 22 authorized and managed by 56 gatemen. Deputy Assistant Engineer Riton Chakma of the Railway East region has pledged phased initiatives to secure the 12 unauthorized crossings.
Shahadat Hossain, general secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), identifies the main causes of the increased fatalities as unauthorized construction of crossings, lack of public and driver awareness, and gateman negligence. This alarming trend calls for immediate action to enhance safety and awareness at rail crossings.
Attempt to set fire to rail track: BNP leader arrested in Dinajpur
Police today arrested a local leader of BNP from Birampur upazila of Dinajpur district in connection with a case filed over attempt to set fire to a rail track.
The arrestee was identified as Haidar Ali, joint secretary of Birampur unit of BNP.
Subrata Kumar, officer-in-charge of Birampur Police Station, said police arrested Haider from the upazila in the morning.
Earlier, a case was filed against eight identified people and several unidentified people in connection with the attempt to set fire to a rail track last night.
Read: Rail track bolts stolen from Kurigram-Rangpur railway line
Haidar was the prime accused in the case. He was handed over to Railway Police after primary interrogation.
“Police are trying to arrest the other accused in the case,” said the OC.
ATM Nurul Islam, in-charge of Parbatipur Railway Station, said miscreants are trying to destroy lives and property through sabotage activities on railways but their attempt was foiled due to strict surveillance by police.
Last night, law enforcers foiled miscreants’ attempt to set fire to a rail track in Birampur upazila of Dinajpur district.
Read: Two motorcyclists killed in Sylhet road crash
Mia Ranjan, sub-inspector of Birampur Police Station, said a group of people set fire to the slipper of rail tracks near No 2 Litchi Bagan in Birampur municipality area between 8 pm and 9 pm.
Noticing smoke, police and Ansar members rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze.
They also managed to halt the Khulna-bound Shimanto Express train, which was scheduled to go through the area, a few yards away, saving lives and property.
Police foil miscreants’ attempt to derail train in Narayanganj ahead of blockade
Police foiled a sabotage attempt of miscreants to derail a train in Fatullah on Dhaka-Narayanganj route, ahead of the latest 48-hour road-rail-waterway blockade across Bangladesh called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties.
Mokhlesur Rahman, sub-inspector of Narayanganj Government Railway Police, said miscreants attached a heavy iron plate to the rail line at Kotolerbagh in an attempt to derail the train.
Locals first noticed it and informed police through the national emergency number 999.
562 arrested by RAB on charges of sabotage since Oct 28
On information, police rushed to the spot and removed the iron plate from the rail line.
Police are trying to arrest those involved in the sabotage attempt, he said.
RAB arrests 4, including Sramik Dal leader, from Dhaka's Jatrabari in sabotage case
Case filed over burning train compartments in Jamalpur
A case has been filed over burning three carriages of the intercity Jamuna Express train near Sarishabari railway station in Jamalpur early today (November 19, 2023).
Unidentified miscreants set three carriages (Ka, Kha and Ga) of the train on fire at around 1:12 am today after the Tarakandi-bound intercity train left Jamalpur’s Sarishabari railway station.
Also read: CNG-run autorickshaw catches fire as cocktail thrown in Old Dhaka
A fire service team led by Senior Station Officer of Sarishabari Fire Service, Ruhul Amin, rushed to the spot and doused the fire around 2:30 am.
At least 4-5 passengers were injured during the incident as they tried to get out of the carriages.
At least two of them, including a woman, is currently undergoing treatment at Sarishabari Upazila Health Complex.
Meanwhile, a case has been filed against 15-20 unidentified people in relation to the incident.
Also read: 48-hour hartal called by BNP, others begins amid fear of violence
Abdus Salam, assistant stationmaster of Sarishabari railway station, filed the case with Jamalpur Railway Police Station around 7 am today.
Confirming the news, Jamalpur Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Gulzar Hossain said efforts were underway to nab those involved in the incident.
Also read: BNP-Jamaat’s hartal: 460 RAB teams deployed across the country
Oyster-shaped railway station adds greater tourist attraction to Cox’s Bazar
An eye-catching railway station built in the shape of an oyster stands just three kilometers away from Cox’s Bazar sea beach, which is expected to become also a recreation destination.
The impressive station was also unveiled Saturday (November 11, 2023) as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the much-awaited 102-kilometre Chattogram-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge single railway line aiming to link the country’s tourist hub with the port city through the railway connectivity as well.
The railway station was constructed on a 29-acre land in Hazipara area of Jhilong Union nearby Cox’s Bazar town.
The modern facilities are available in the 182,000-sq feet railway station where a six-storey building and a large oyster fountain were constructed.
Test run of train on Dohazari-Cox's Bazar route likely on October 15
Some 90,000 passengers are expected to use the iconic station a day.
In the station, there are three large spaces for car parking. The modern facilities which are available in the station include ticket counters and reception centres, shopping mall, restaurants, luggage lockers, child care center, mosque, escalators, ATM booths, residential hotel, post office and tourist information booth.
The luggage locker in the tourist town is an attractive feature as anyone can visit the sea beach or other tourist spots for a day, leaving goods in the station.
In another first, PM Hasina opens Ctg-Cox's Bazar railway line
Besides, the station is friendly to elderly and disabled persons. It was constructed at a cost of Tk 215 crore.
Alongside the station, the 102-km rail Chattogram (Dohazari)-Cox’s Bazar rail route has eight other stations at Satkania, Lohagara, Chokoria, Dulahazra, Eidgao, Ramu, Ukhiya, and Gumdum.
These stations have fully computer-based interlocking signal systems and a fully digitalised telecommunications network.
Cox's Bazar wears festive look ahead of PM’s visit on Saturday
In the future, the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar railway line will be connected with the under-construction Matarbari deep sea port.
On April 3 in 2011, Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the construction of Dohazari-Cox's Bazar railway, a priority project of her government.
In another first, PM Hasina opens Ctg-Cox's Bazar railway line
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (November 11, 2023) inaugurated the much-awaited 102-kilometre Chattogram-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge single railway line setting yet another milestone in the country's communication network.
The southern region wore a festive look as she unveiled the new rail route (from Dohazari in Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar) for train movement at a ceremony at newly constructed Cox’s Bazar Railway Station.
The premier flagged off a train and then travelled by it from Cox’s Bazar Railway Station to Ramu Railway Station.
Read: Oyster-shaped railway station adds greater tourist attraction to Cox’s Bazar
She bought her own ticket from the counter of the railway station. She waved the green flag before boarding the train.
She also blew the whistle signalling the start of the train.
Addressing the inauguration programme, the prime minister said, “Today Cox's Bazar has been linked to the country's railway network. I am really very delighted for being able to attend the inaugural ceremony physically, " she said.
"I have kept my promise by inaugurating the railway. This was a longstanding demand of this region. This is a day of feeling proud," she said.
Read: Railway Minister to inspect Dohazari-Cox's Bazar line before inauguration
Talking to reporters during the train ride, the prime minister said that this train link will contribute a lot to country’s GDP and economy.
“Transportation of goods, people and tourists will be expedited resulting in increase the GDP and more vibrant economy,” she said.
She mentioned that Cox’s Bazar has the longest sandy sea beach in the world.
“But we could not build this tourist spot up to the mark. We have to make sure that tourists can come here comfortably,” she said.
PM Hasina said that apart of tourists conveyance the trade and commerce of this area have been given importance.
“We are building a deep seaport, power station, building an economic zone here,” she said.
She also mentioned that Bangladesh will be linked with trans Asian railway by this rail line.
“This rail line will go to Ghumdhum from Ramu, later from Ghumdhum it will be linked with South and South East countries.”
Read: Chinese-built railway opens via Bangladesh's Padma Bridge
On her arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan and local MPs.
Local artists greeted her with traditional songs and dances.
The railways minister presided over the programme.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) country director for Bangladesh Ginting and Railways Ministry secretary Md Humayun Kabir also spoke at the event.
PM Hasina inaugurates Dhaka-Bhanga rail link over Padma Bridge
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (October 10, 2023) opened the Dhaka-Bhanga railway line, a part of which runs over Padma Bridge, in laying another milestone in the country’s infrastructure development.
The opening of the 82-kilometre railway track from Dhaka to Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila under “Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project” fulfills the long-cherished dream of the people of the country’s southwestern districts.
Bangabandhu's youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana was present in the grand ceremony presided over by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan.
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and local MP (Munshiganj-2) Sagufta Yasmin Emily spoke on the occasion, while Railways Secretary Dr Md Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome speech.
Read more: Southwestern districts cheer as Dhaka-Bhanga rail link via Padma Bridge opens Tuesday
After formal unveiling of the newly built railway line over the country’s longest bridge, the prime minister boarded a special inauguration train to travel to Bhanga, where she was greeted by thousands of jubilant people.
The work on the construction of the railway line was launched by the prime minister on October 14 last year.
The railway line is being constructed in three phases (plus a 3km link being built between Dhaka and Gandaria): 37km Gandaria-Mawa section, a 42km Mawa-Bhanga section, and an 87km Bhanga Junction-Jashore section. Some 43.2km of loops, siding and Y-connections bring the total track length to 215.2km.
The entire railway project from Dhaka-Jashore is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024.
Read more: Chinese-built Padma Bridge benefits people's livelihood, boosts transformation of economic landscape in Bangladesh
There will be 20 stations from Dhaka to Jashore, of which 14 are new and 6 are already there. The previous stations are also being modernised. Once completed, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 to 130 kilometres.
There will be no railway crossing anywhere on the Dhaka-Jashore railway line as underpasses are being constructed at each level crossing all the way from Dhaka to Jashore.
The distance from Dhaka to Bhanga is about 82 kilometres. The new railway line from Gandaria in Dhaka has been added to the Padma Bridge via Keraniganj.
Trains will be able to run from Kamalapur to Bhanga via Gandaria along the Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line.
Under the project, 100 modern passenger coaches have already been purchased. New trains will be introduced by decorating the rakes with them.
The Padma Bridge rail link project was approved on May 3, 2016. At that time, its construction cost was estimated to be around Tk 34,989 crore. When the project proposal was amended on May 22, 2018, the cost increased to Tk 39,247 crore. The cost may increase further, according to concerned authorities.
The Padma Bridge rail link project is being constructed with Chinese funding, on the basis of G2G (government to government). Chinese contractor China Railway Engineering Group (CREC) is working on the project. China's Exim Bank is providing a loan of $ 266.79 crore to implement the project.
The rest of the cost is being financed by the government of Bangladesh.
Read more: PM’s Padma Bridge train journey: 11 individuals of different professions to accompany her
Southwestern districts cheer as Dhaka-Bhanga rail link via Padma Bridge opens Tuesday
The wait of the people of southwestern districts will come to an end as the much-desired Dhaka-Bhanga railway connectivity via Padma Bridge will be opened on Tuesday (October 10, 2023).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the 82-kilometre railway track from Dhaka to Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila under “Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project”.
She is likely to go to Faridpur by train and will address a rally at 2 pm at Kazi Abu Yusuf Stadium in Bhanga Upazila headquarters, according to project officials.
Project Director Brigadier General Syed Ahmed said already the trial runs of a passenger train and a freight train have been completed on the route successfully.
Project details
On October 14 last year, the prime minister opened the construction work on a rail link between Dhaka and Jashore under the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project.’
Read: Test run: Train reaches Faridpur’s Bhanga from Dhaka via Padma Bridge
The railway line is being constructed in three phases (plus a 3km link being built between Dhaka and Gandaria): 37km Gandaria-Mawa section, a 42km Mawa-Bhanga section, and an 87km Bhanga Junction-Jashore section. Some 43.2km of loops, siding and Y-connections bring the total track length to 215.2km.
The entire railway project from Dhaka-Jashore is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024.
There will be 20 stations from Dhaka to Jashore, of which 14 are new and 6 are already there. The previous stations are also being modernised. Once completed, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 to 130 kilometres.
Read: Dhaka-Bhanga railway track via Padma bridge all set for trial run on Thursday
There will be no railway crossing anywhere on the Dhaka-Jashore railway line as underpasses are being constructed at each level crossing all the way from Dhaka to Jashore.
The distance from Dhaka to Bhanga is about 82 kilometres. The new railway line from Gandaria in Dhaka has been added to the Padma Bridge via Keraniganj.
Trains will be able to run from Kamalapur to Bhanga via Gandaria along the Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line.
Under the project, 100 modern passenger coaches have already been purchased. New trains will be introduced by decorating the rakes with them.
The Padma Bridge rail link project was approved on May 3, 2016. At that time, its construction cost was estimated to be around Tk 34,989 crore. When the project proposal was amended on May 22, 2018, the cost increased to Tk 39,247 crore. The cost may increase further, according to concerned authorities.
The Padma Bridge rail link project is being constructed with Chinese funding, on the basis of G2G (government to government). Chinese contractor China Railway Engineering Group (CREC) is working on the project. China's Exim Bank is providing a loan of $ 266.79 crore to implement the project.
Read: ICC World Cup Trophy travels to Padma Bridge
The rest of the cost is being managed by the government of Bangladesh.
What people think about the rail link
UNB Faridpur correspondent reports: The long-cherished dream of southwestern region's people including Faridpur, Gopalganj, Madaripur and Narail will come into reality through the opening of the rail connectivity.
It will ensure safe journey of commuters from Dhaka to southwestern region at an affordable rate.
Talking to UNB, Abul Foyez Shah Newaz, a freedom fighter, said “Once country's independence was a dream to us, the train movement over the Padma Bridge was also a dream for the people of this region and the dream has come into reality with the sincere efforts of the government.”
Read: Padma bridge project cost increased further by Tk 1,117 cror
Test run of train on Dohazari-Cox's Bazar route likely on October 15
The trial run of a train on Dohazari-Cox's Bazar route is expected to be conducted on October 15 as 92 percent work on the railway route has been completed, said the project director.
The trial run of the train will be conducted in presence of Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon, Mafizur Rahman, director of Dohazari--Cox's Bazar rail project told UNB on Thursday.
The construction work of an iconic rail station, culvert, level crossing and highway crossing is almost finished, he said.
The 102 kilometer Dohazari-Cox's Bazar rail project is almost finished and now it is ready for train movement, said Mafizur Rahman.
“Already all preparations have been taken to conduct a trial run on the route and a locomotive with six bogies will run on the route first. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the rail route at the end of October. Later, the residents of Dhaka will enjoy the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar rail route later,” he said.
Read more: After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October
According to the project officials, under the project a 102-km new dual gauge single railway line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar has been built at a cost of Tk 18,000 crore.
Already an Oyster-shaped international standard railway station has been built in Cox’s Bazar town and seven more stations from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar were built while an overpass was also constructed to facilitate the movement of elephants and other wild animals as the rail line crosses a reserved forest area, said the project director.
Besides, the repair work of the 450 meters of the trail tracks which was damaged due to the recent floods was done, he said.
Rezaul Karim, president of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Traders Association, said the number of tourists could increase by three times with the launching of the rail route.
Zahidul Islam, a resident of Cox’s Bazar, said the residents of the district have been deprived of the train services for long but the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar project will make their dream come true.
Read more: Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20
Mohammad Shaheen Imran, deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, said the project work is almost finished and if everything remains okay the trail run of train on the rail route will be conducted on October 15.
8 rail stations
According to the project officials, there are eight stations along the 102-km railway including at Satkania, Lohagara, Chakaria, Dulahazara, Eidgaon, Ramu and Cox's Bazar Sadar.
To facilitate this, three big bridges have been constructed on Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bakkhali rivers. Besides, 43 small bridges, 201 culverts and 144 level crossings have been constructed on the railway.
A flyover was constructed in Keochia area of Satkania, and two highway crossings in Ramu and Cox's Bazar areas.
An overpass of 50 metres and three underpasses were constructed for the movement of elephants and other wildlife.
Dhaka-Cox's Bazar train service still a distant reality as project limps along