Rajshahi – Abdulpur rail route to be upgraded to double line: Railway minister
Railway Minister Nurul Amin Sujan said this during his recent visit to Rajshahi
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan said that the ministry plans to upgrade the rail track between Rajshahi and Abdulpur to a double line.
"The government is working to modernise the railway service so that the citizens can benefit more from it," said the minister on Friday after inspecting Rajshahi Rail Bhaban and rail station during a visit to the city.
According to the minister, every route of the railway will be gradually upgraded to double line, read a press statement issued by the Ministry of Railways.
Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton accompanied the minister during his visit.
The minister further said that a dual gauge double line bridge is being built on the River Jamuna which will help to operate trains at a speed of 100 kilometre metre gauge and 120 kilometre broad gauge. As a result, no train will have to wait to cross the river as the routes will be different for incoming and outgoing trains.
"We are designing the railways in such a way that the speed of the train will not need to be brought down under 120 kilometres per hour," he added.
The minister also hoped to launch a direct train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata during his visit.
He said the city mayor has already submitted a demi official (DO) letter containing city people's demands and they will be implemented gradually.
The minister further said, in responding to another demand of naming Rajshahi Railway Station after the national leader AHM Kamruzzaman, said, "Kamruzzaman is not only our national leader, he is a part of the history of our independence. We will approve the proposal when submitted through the formal procedure."
Among others, Lawmaker of Chapainawabganj 1 constituency Samil Uddin Ahmed Shimul, Rajshahi Reserve Seat Member Adiba Anjum Mita, Bangladesh Railways (West zone) General Manager Mihir Kanti Guha, Rajshahi Railway Sramik League President (open line section) Md Akter Ali, and General Secretary Mehedi Hasan were present during the visit.