Test run of special train on Mawa-Bhanga route through Padma Bridge begins

The Bangladesh Railway started trial run of a special train on Mawa-Bhanga section crossing through the Padma Bridge on Thursday.

The train began its journey from Kamalapur Railway Station around 10 am and reached the Bhanga end around 12:00noon. The train took seven minutes to cross the Padma Bridge as it was running slowly.   

The test run will continue till October 10 as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally inaugurate the train service on that day, according to the ministry source.  

Earlier, Afzal Hossain, project director of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project, said the project will be implemented within June, 2024.

“We have already completed 99 percent of the work from Mawa to Bhanga section. The construction of the rail link is moving fast," Afzal added.

Under the fast-track project, he said, the Bangladesh Railway is implementing the project to connect the capital with Jashore with a 169km rail line for Tk 39,246.79 crore, with Exim Bank of China providing Tk 21,036.70 crore as loan, according to the project details.

It said the Chinese government-nominated contractor China Railway Group Limited is implementing the project under China G2G system.

After completing the project, the railway connectivity will improve accessibility to the capital city Dhaka with central and south western regions of the country through Padma Bridge covering new areas of Munshiganj, Shariatpur, Madaripur and Narail districts, the project details said.

The project will establish alternate railway connectivity linking Dhaka-Jessore-Khulna with 212.05 km shorter route and improved operational facilities, it added.

It will also establish another sub-route of Trans-Asian Railway Network in Bangladesh and introduce national, regional and international freight and BG container train service as this route will be free from speed and load restriction for carrying containers.

The government approved the construction of the 169-km railway line from Dhaka to Jessore in March, 2016 and it is listed as a fast-track project.