The new railway line from Akhaura to Agartala under construction between Bangladesh and India will be operational by next June.
Railway Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan made this disclosure after inspecting the project to journalists at the zero point area near Agartala on Sunday.
The railway minister said that Akhaura-Agartala railway connection is very important for both countries. If this line is opened, business and trade between the two countries will expand, besides people will be able to travel between the two countries easily.
About the project completion time that has been extended three times and whether it would be extended again, the minister replied, “Most of the work has been completed and now we are optimistic that they will be able to complete the work by June.”
In another question regarding Akhaura-Laksam project, the minister said, “I have inspected the construction site as well. The progress of that project is satisfactory. Hopefully, the 17 km railway line will be opened for train movement by January 15.”
In response to a question about obstruction on construction works in some areas by the Indian security forces, the minister said that some instructions have been given during the inspection. Instructions are given to leave the part where there is a blockage and proceed with the rest of the work.
It may be noted that the Akhaura Agartala Rail Line project is being built with Indian grants and the overall progress of the project is 67 percent. The length of Bangladesh section from Agartala to Akhaura is 6.8 kilometer.
General Manager of Bangladesh Railway Eastern Region Md. Jahangir Hossain, Director of Laksam-Akhaura Project Md. Shahidul Islam, Chief Engineer of Eastern Region and Director of Akhaura-Agartala Project Abu Jafar Mia along with other contractors and senior officials of Bangladesh Railway were present during the inspection.
