Dhaka: The 4.8-kilometer-long dual-gauge double line Jamuna Railway Bridge has been inaugurated, marking a significant advancement in the rail connectivity of the country. The bridge will allow trains to travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h, significantly improving rail connectivity between Dhaka and the northwestern region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the inauguration ceremony was held at Imbrahimabad railway station in Tangail, with Railway Secretary M Fahimul Islam serving as the chief guest. The event was also attended by Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka SAIDA Shinichi and Ito Teruyuki, Director General of the South Asia Department of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), who participated as special guests.
The Jamuna Railway Bridge, constructed at a cost of over Taka 16,780 crore, is expected to save more than half an hour of travel time between Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Rangpur. Previously, railway communication over the Jamuna River was slow due to the bridge being primarily constructed for road traffic, leading to delays in train journeys between Dhaka and the Rajshahi-Rangpur divisions.
With the new bridge, trains can now cross at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, significantly reducing travel time. The bridge was built on 50 pillars and 49 spans, with an estimated life expectancy of at least 100 years. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) initially approved the construction project on December 6, 2016.
The project, undertaken by the Bangladesh government, was initially budgeted at Tk 9,734 crore, with JICA providing Tk 7,724 crore. Initially set for completion by December 2023, the deadline was later extended to December 2025, and the project cost increased to Tk 16,781 crore. The financing comprised 27.60 percent domestic funds and 72.40 percent from a JICA loan, with Bangladesh Railway implementing the project.
In addition to the bridge, the project included the construction of a 7.6 km double-line railway approach embankment, 30.73 km of dual-gauge track, 16 viaducts, and the renovation of the East and West stations and yards of the Jamuna Bridge. Authorities state that at least 88 trains will be able to cross the railway bridge at high speed, significantly enhancing rail connectivity in the region. The bridge can accommodate broad-gauge trains traveling at 120 km/h and meter-gauge trains moving at 100 km/h.
Director General of Bangladesh Railway, Afzal Hossain, commented, “The railway communication over the river Jamuna now will require less time compared to earlier and it will save time from both sides.”