Padma Bridge Rail Link set for mid-Nov opening 

The long-awaited Padma Bridge Rail Link, aimed at improving rail connectivity between Dhaka and southwestern Bangladesh, is nearing completion, with plans to open the line by mid-November. 

"With nearly 98% of the work completed, we have set a target to open the line between November 10 and 15," said Project Director Afzal Hossain.

He said the remaining work is underway at the Bhanga Junction section and the TT Para underpass. 

"While the Bhanga Junction is expected to be completed in a few days, progress on the TT Para underpass has been delayed due to frequent rain. However, efforts are being made to expedite the construction," added Hossain.

Initially, 10 trains will operate on the new rail link, which has the capacity for 24. However, due to manpower, coach, and engine shortages, the line won't reach full capacity immediately, Hossain said. 

He noted that once fully operational, the 169km railway will shorten the distance between Dhaka and Jashore by 212km, reducing travel time from over eight hours to just 3.5 hours.

"If demand increases, trains can make double trips, as the line is designed for speeds of up to 120km per hour, though they'll start at 100km speed," he explained.

Hossain said the rail link will impact not only Jashore but also major districts like Khulna, Rajbari, Kushtia, Tungipara, and Benapole. Besides, it is expected to improve connectivity between Bangladesh's two largest seaports, Chattogram and Mongla.

Ahead of the launch, the government inspector of Bangladesh Railway (GIBR) recently conducted a two-day inspection of the Bhanga to Jashore section. 

After receiving the GIBR report, the project authority will address any identified issues on the tracks or stations before the GIBR grants final approval for train operations.

The project

The Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project is being developed in four sections at a cost of Tk39,246.80 crore. The sections include Dhaka–Gandaria (3km), Gandaria–Mawa (37km), Mawa–Bhanga (42km), and Bhanga–Jashore (87km). 

The Export-Import Bank of China is providing Tk21,036.70 crore in loan funding for the project. 

Initially set for completion in June 2024, the timeline has been extended to June 2025. An 82km section between Dhaka and Bhanga was opened for service on 10 October of last year, with five trains currently operating on this route via the Padma Bridge.

Cable theft

Project officials said there have been some operational challenges recently due to signal cables being stolen from five newly established railway stations.

The theft impacted stations utilising the Computer-Based Interlocking (CBI) signalling system, causing automatic signals to go offline and displaying red signals on the control system. 

As a result, trains are unable to stop at designated platforms, forcing passengers to board and disembark from the tracks, thereby increasing safety risks.

They said cables were stolen from Mawa station on 22 August, with similar incidents at Srinagar and Nimtala stations in Munshiganj, and the most recent theft occurring on 17 September at Shibchar station in Madaripur. Previously, cables were also stolen from Padma station at the Jajira end of the Padma Bridge in Shariatpur.

Project Director Afzal Hossain expressed concern over the frequent theft of signal wires. "The contractor repairs one station, and by the time that's done, wires at another station are stolen." 

While security personnel have been deployed, thefts continue to occur during lapses in surveillance, he said. Hossain said the damage from the thefts can be repaired this month if no further incidents take place.