India & Bangladesh inks Bogura-Sirajgnaj rail line pact

India and Bangladesh have signed an agreement to construct a new Bogura- Sirajganj rail line in Bangladesh under the Government of India Line of Credit (LoC). The agreement was signed between Bangladesh Railway and a joint venture company of India in the presence of the Bangladesh'S Railway Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan and High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami at Rail Bhawan in Dhaka. The scope of Consultancy Services includes updating the project feasibility study, detailed engineering design and drawings of all infrastructure including bridges, embankments, railway track, stations, signaling and all other facilities.

It will also include route alignment, mathematical modeling, tendering services and construction supervision services. Under the railway project, a dual gauge main line and loop lines will be constructed from Bogra to Shahid M. Mansur Ali Station in Sirajganj. It will entail construction of stations, platforms, bridges, and an administrative facility. The installation of lighting, overhead sign structures and the laying of track will also be undertaken as a part of the project. The Bogura-Sirajgnaj Dual Gauge Link will provide a shorter route between the Western and Northern parts of Bangladesh and the Eastern and Southern parts of the country, via the capital city, Dhaka. This route will reduce the rail distance by about 112 km saving travel time of about 3 hours from Dhaka to the northern districts. It will also facilitate seamless operation of Broad Gauge and Meter Gauge trains and provide fast, high quality services to passengers.