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

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

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.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly opened the newly constructed Akhaura-Agartala Dual Gauge Railway Link Project, setting a significant milestone in cross-border connectivity. The important rail connection would contribute to boosting trade, business and tourism between the two neighbouring countries.The 12.24-km rail connection has linked Gangasagar Railway Station at Akhaura in Brahmanbaria to Nischintapur Railway Station at Agartala in India, connecting the northeastern region of India and Bangladesh. Israel must stop killing of Palestinian women and children: PM Hasina The railway link, with 6.78 km in Bangladesh’s part, was constructed under a joint venture of Bangladesh and India. The Akhaura (Bangladesh)-Agartala (India) railway line construction started in July 2018. The two prime ministers unveiled the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, joining an event from Ganabhaban in Dhaka and New Delhi through a virtual platform. We are determined to hold free and fair vote: PM Hasina tells South Asian ECs The two PMs also inaugurated two other Indian-aided projects --Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Construction Project and Unit-2 of Rampal Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat. The 65-km railway from Khulna to Mongla port in Bagerhat would streamline goods transportation to the port. This railway will help transport Mongla port goods affordably within the country and support trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, contributing to regional economic growth. The Khulna-Mongla railway project began in September 2016. The second unit of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant Rampal would add 660 megawatt electricity to the national grid. The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant-2 and the 65-kilometre Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Link have been implemented under the Indian LoC (Line of Credit) while the Akhaura (Bangladesh) and Agartala (India) Railway Link with Indian grants. PM Hasina denounces Israeli attacks on Palestine, calls for ending the war The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, known as Rampal thermal power plant, with a total capacity of 1,320 MW in two units was implemented under a joint venture of the two neighbouring countries.

The railway network of Bangladesh is set to see a major development next month, as the newly-constructed Khulna-Mongla track will be inaugurated on November 1. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate this railway line virtually, Ahmed Hossain Masum, chief engineer of the project, told media. Read: Kaptai hanging bridge in Rangamati opens to tourists after over one month Before the official opening, a trial train will go from Khulna’s Phultala to Mongla this afternoon, he added. Some final works will be completed soon, said the chief engineer. Rafiqul Haque, assistant engineer of the project said, local people living on both sides of the rail line were informed on Sunday about the trial train movement today (October 30, 2023). Read: Chinese-built railway opens via Bangladesh's Padma Bridge The project was approved at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on December 21, 2010. Work began in November, 2016.

Train movement in Kurigram has been suspended since Friday night as a part of a railway bridge was damaged at Singerdabri in Rajarhat upazila. Md Samsuzzoha, Kurigram Railway Station Master, said a part of a railway bridge was damaged at Singerdabri area due to incessant rainfall on Friday, halting the train communication. The railway authorities have continued train movement with the rest of the country through the northern parts of the district through an alternative route. Nat’l Committee demands reduction of Dhaka-Bhanga train fare by 40% The Dhaka-bound ‘Kurigram Express’ and ‘Rangpur Express’ are moving from Kaunia Rail Station, he said. Train movement from Chilmari Rail Station will resume within 2-3 days, he added. Train collides with stranded truck at railway crossing; one killed

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

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

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

Train communications with Khulna was restored on Thursday morning after seven hours following the derailment of a freight train at Basundia Singiai in Sadar upazila of Jashore district. Sub-inspector Mizanur Rahman, in-charge of Jashore Railway Police Station, said two bogies of a Natore-bound freight train from Khulna veered off the tracks around 4 am, halting train communication. A relief train rushed to the spot and conducted a salvage operation. Death toll from train derailment in Pakistan rises to 30 with 60 others injured Chitra Express train from Dhaka was stranded at Jashore Railway Station following the derailment. Rail link with Khulna was resumed around 11:10 am after a rescue train removed the bogies from the tracks. Train engine breaks down in Gazipur's Sreepur Railway Station, movement normalises around 9 am