Staff Reporter:

After a long wait, the country’s longest rail bridge, the newly constructed Jamuna Rail Bridge, is set to be inaugurated today (Tuesday).

The bridge is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity between Dhaka and North and South Bengal, bringing relief to commuters.

Rail passengers have welcomed the inauguration of the double-track bridge but expressed disappointment over the fact that trains will initially run on a single-track system.

Authorities have acknowledged the issue, stating that a double-track rail line will be constructed under a new project, which is expected to open up new opportunities in communication, trade, and the economy.

Meanwhile, officials estimate that trains will take just three and a half minutes to cross the bridge.

STATE-OF-THE-ART INFRASTRUCTURE

The bridge, constructed with advanced steel technology, stands on 50 pillars and 49 spans and is designed to last at least 100 years, symbolizing the country’s infrastructural progress.

The railway ministry has completed all preparations for the inauguration.

Railway Secretary Md Fahimul Islam will be present as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony.

As part of the event, officials and guests will board the inaugural train from Ibrahimabad Station (east side of the bridge) to Sayedabad Railway Station in Sirajganj at 11:20am.

A press briefing will be held at Sayedabad station at 11:40am, followed by a return trip to Ibrahimabad at 12pm.

FASTER TRAVEL TIME

Bangladesh Railway Director General Afzal Hossain said that the new bridge will significantly reduce travel time, making journeys more efficient.

However, he noted that full benefits will only be realized after the double-track system is operational.

Chief Engineer Tanvirul Islam said the bridge incorporates new technology, eliminating the need for future repainting. The 4.8km-long dual-gauge bridge will serve as a key railway link between the north-western region and Dhaka.

Ibrahimabad Railway Station Master Shahin Mia said that trains will be able to operate at speeds of 120km/h on the bridge, though initially, they will run at 90km/h. The crossing time will now be just three and a half minutes, compared to 20 minutes on the previous Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge.

PROJECT TIMELINE AND COST

Initially, the project was estimated to cost Tk9,734.7 crore in December 2016. However, after an extension of two years, costs escalated to Tk16,780.96 crore, with 27.6% funded domestically and the remaining 72.4% provided by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).

After the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge was opened in 1998, rail connectivity between Dhaka and the northwest was established.

However, in 2008, cracks were detected on the bridge, forcing authorities to reduce train speeds.

With around 38 trains crossing the bridge daily, the government decided to construct a dedicated rail bridge over the Jamuna to resolve the issue.

On November 29, 2020, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the project virtually, and piling work began in March 2021.