Ctg Correspondent
Bangladesh Railway has taken an initiative to convert the 59.93-kilometre Chattogram-Dohazari metre-gauge railway line into a dual-gauge track. Once implemented, the project will allow both metre-gauge and broad-gauge trains to operate on the same railway line.
The project is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Chattogram Port and the northern, western and central regions of the country. It is also likely to create new opportunities for industry, trade, agriculture and tourism in southern Chattogram, according to সংশ্লিষ্ট officials.
Project officials said that, alongside the conversion of the railway line to dual gauge, existing bridges, culverts, drainage systems, stations, platforms, loop lines, level crossings, signalling and telecommunication systems would also be modernised. Necessary safety infrastructure would also be upgraded.
Once completed, the project is expected to make the transportation of goods between Chattogram Port and different parts of the country faster and more efficient. Increased rail freight capacity could reduce transportation time and costs while easing pressure on roads.
The project may also help reduce traffic congestion and the risk of road accidents. At the same time, shifting more freight from roads to rail could contribute to lower carbon emissions and strengthen environmentally friendly transportation.
Project Environmental Specialist Md. Gias Uddin said international standards would be followed to minimise environmental impacts during construction. Measures would be taken to control dust through regular watering, reduce noise pollution, manage waste and ensure workers’ health and safety.
He said acceptable noise levels would be maintained around religious institutions, educational establishments and hospitals. Noise-generating machinery would not be used unnecessarily. If trees need to be felled, there is a plan to plant at least three trees for every tree removed.
Md. Mojahidur Rahman, deputy director of the Department of Environment in Chattogram, said an environmental impact assessment is crucial for implementing major infrastructure projects. Development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, he said, adding that necessary recommendations would be made to keep environmental damage to a minimum.
Monira Parvin, Chattogram divisional coordinator of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), said effective environmental management and regular monitoring should be ensured to minimise potential impacts on trees, air and noise pollution, and biodiversity.
Project officials said affected individuals and institutions would be compensated in accordance with existing laws in cases of land acquisition. Losses involving land, structures, businesses, trees and crops would also be taken into consideration.
A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) is planned to be formed to resolve complaints from local residents promptly. Representatives from Bangladesh Railway, the upazila administration, local representatives, the Department of Environment and local NGOs are expected to be included in the committee.
Arifur Rahman Maruf, former president of Khanhat Bazar Business Association and BNP leader, said the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar railway corridor should not be viewed solely as a tourism-oriented transport route.
The daily commuting needs of people living along the railway, as well as their access to education, employment and business opportunities, should also receive due importance, he said.
He expressed hope that converting the line to dual gauge would make transportation easier and boost economic activities in southern Chattogram.
Project Director Md. Asadul Haque said the conversion of the Chattogram-Dohazari railway line into dual gauge would increase the country’s rail transport capacity. It would reduce travel time and costs for both passengers and freight and make connectivity between Chattogram Port and different parts of the country more efficient.
He said the project would open up new opportunities for industry, agriculture, tourism and trade in southern Chattogram. At the same time, environmental conservation is being given importance. A final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report will be prepared after taking into account the opinions and concerns of local communities. #EK
