Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina PM Hasina lays foundation stone of Bangabandhu Railway Setu
Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has laid the foundation stone of a separate double-lane dual-meter gauge Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge over the Jamuna River at a cost of Tk 18,061 crore.
The Prime Minister said, "I am really happy today. The construction work of a separate railway bridge over the river Jamuna is going to start from today. As a result of the construction of this bridge, I think we will be able to benefit internationally as well as the internal socio-economic development of the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, "We have to work sincerely to further improve the lot of the people of the country." Only then will we be able to build the developed and prosperous golden Bangladesh desired by the father of the nation, Inshallah. '
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge through video conference from her official residence Ganobhaban on Sunday morning.
Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujon presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at Saidabad in Sirajganj on the west bank of Bangabandhu Bridge. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki spoke on the occasion. Secretary, Ministry of Railways Selim Reza delivered the welcome address. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus conducted the function from the edge of Ganobhaban.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, local MPs, senior officials of JICA, a development partner of Japan, local people's representatives, officials of the Ministry of Railways and local administration, local dignitaries and the general public were present at the Ganobhaban end and main venue. A video on the Bangabandhu Railway Bridge was shown on the occasion.
According to the Ministry of Railways, a 4.8 km long double lane Bangabandhu Railway Bridge is being constructed 300 meters upstream of the Bangabandhu Bridge over the Jamuna River. The railway bridge will be constructed at a cost of Taka 17,061 crore with the joint funding of the Government of Japan and Bangladesh. The project will be implemented by JICA. Its construction is expected to be completed by 2025. The bridge will be able to run two trains simultaneously at a speed of 100 kmph. All types of freight trains will be open. As a result, besides saving time, socio-economic development and expansion of trade and commerce in North Bengal will also take place.
