‘Chilahati-Haldibari railway line to start operation in December’

The Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India will inaugurate the Chilahati-Haldibari railway line in December to mark Victory Day, said Md Nurul Islam Sujan, the Minister for Railways.

The Minister made the announcement when the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Vikram K Doraiswami, called on him at the Rail Bhaban in the capital on Wednesday.

A freight train will initially kick-off this new inter-country communication, and there are plans to run a passenger train from Dhaka to Siliguri on March 26 next year, the Minister informed the Indian High Commissioner, according to a press release. 

Various issues related to railways of both countries were discussed during the meeting, including the ongoing project of Bangladesh Railways with Indian funding. 

Nurul Islam Sujan said, "Work on Bangabandhu Railway Bridge will start next month. With the building of the bridge, the railway communication system of the country will be improved immensely," added the release.

Furthermore, the process of converting the meter gauge line to dual gauge is currently underway, he said. 

"Several railway projects have been undertaken. With the launch of the Padma Bridge rail link project, Indian trains will be able to transport goods and passengers from Benapole in Jashore to Dhaka, easily and in less time," said the minister. 

Construction of a container terminal depot at Sirajganj was also discussed, and according to the release, the transportation of goods will be made easier once the Inland Container Depot (ICD) was completed.

Besides, the Minister and the High Commissioner also spoke about building a new coach factory in Syedpur.

The Railway Minister said that a consultancy wing would be set up in Bangladesh Railway, modeled on India.

The Indian High Commissioner also expressed his interest in developing catering services and training academies in Bangladesh Railway.

Nurul Islam Sujan sought India's cooperation in training Bangladesh Railway officials.

Md Salim Reza, secretary of the Ministry of Railways; Md Shamsuzzaman, director general of Bangladesh Railway, were present during the meeting.