No topic being projected for completion by June 2027, the Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur railway growth challenge is easiest 35% performed as of October, with actual 1.5% growth made in the final 13 months.
Officials attribute the delays to the dearth of no-objection certification from Exim Financial institution of India, the challenge’s financing body, which is obligatory for securing additional funding.
Additionally, construction has been disrupted by the stalled growth of the Dhaka Elevated Parkway.
The Bangladesh Railway undertook the challenge in July 2012 to introduce faster, safer and more joyful passenger and freight trains to and from the capital.
In accordance with railway sources, the challenge started with an estimated price of Tk848 crore, nevertheless its interval, price and scope agree with been prolonged quite a bit of times.
As of June 2023, the challenge price elevated to Tk3,343 crore, which contains Tk2,821.16 crore in challenge abet from India and Tk521.38 crore from the Bangladesh authorities.
Officials stamp that in October 2022 a proposal became submitted to Exim Financial institution of India for one more mortgage of $66 million, which became favorite in March 2023.
On the opposite hand, unusual modifications to reform existing lines elevated charges, prompting a search recordsdata from for one more $21.78 million in funding in September.
In November, the Cabinet Committee on Executive Procurement favorite this proposal, contingent on receiving Exim Financial institution of India’s no objection.
A discover-up utility for no objection became submitted in December, nevertheless no response has been obtained but.
The Indian High Rate in Dhaka did no longer present a comment when contacted for a response on the topic.
Venture Director Naznin Ara Keya mentioned, “We are in traditional contact with Exim Financial institution of India. There agree with been seven online meetings to this level. However we have no longer obtained any answer but. They had completely different questions and we have despatched them solutions.”
Officials agree with acknowledged that the initial thought became to install 41kg rail in obvious areas. On the opposite hand, it became later decided to make use of 60kg rail for all tracks, in conjunction with the loop line, due to the weakness of the existing lines.
If no longer renewed, these lines would turn into unusable in just a few years, necessitating an lengthen in funding, they are saying.
Naznin told TBS that the initial thought became to kind the unusual Dhaka-Tongi and Tongi-Joydebpur lines first. On the opposite hand, the uncomfortable condition of the existing lines induced a call to refurbish them, which prolonged each and each the interval and price of the challenge.
In accordance with challenge sources, physical growth by September became 36.51%. Although Tk643 crore has been disbursed for the current financial year, easiest Tk6 crore has been spent in the first three months.
Additionally, Tk41.72 crore of Tk217.88 crore would possibly possibly possibly no longer be utilised final year due to the dearth of non-objection from Exim Financial institution of India.
The challenge director acknowledged that the unusual diversifications of labor embody all construction activities besides signalling, meaning that growth can no longer proceed without approval. The lengthen in the scope of the challenge has resulted in better charges, necessitating approval from the financing institution.
Sardar Shahadat Ali, director long-established of Bangladesh Railways, mentioned BR has been in contact with the Indian authorities to expedite approval.
Venture officials document that 112 trains currently operate on the Dhaka-Tongi piece, whereas 44 amble on the Tongi-Joydebpur piece. Once the challenge is performed, capacity would possibly possibly possibly lengthen to 250 trains on the Dhaka-Tongi line and 90 on the Tongi-Joydebpur line.
Consultants emphasise the necessity for swift authorities action to address these disorders. Enforcing the challenge would considerably toughen tell movement capacity in the capital and the surrounding districts, thereby reducing stress on Dhaka, they are saying.
Communication infrastructure expert and Buet Professor Hadiuzzaman told TBS that extending the Dhaka-Tongi rail line is required for considerably rising railway capacity. On the opposite hand, he smartly-known a lack of coordination among institutions in challenge implementation.
Additionally, the stalled construction of the Dhaka Elevated Parkway is impacting the Dhaka-Tongi rail challenge, with construction materials smooth occupying the prolonged piece from Moghbazar to Malibagh.
Hadiuzzaman emphasised that due to the elevated runt-entry twin carriageway, rising the railway in the smash would possibly possibly possibly no longer be feasible, highlighting a lack of correct planning.
“The Dhaka-Tongi rail challenge, initiated in 2012, continues to face dwelling constraints. Priority will agree with to agree with been given to the railway over the elevated runt-entry twin carriageway,” he mentioned.
