Dhaka: The government has taken a major initiative to set up rail lines from Faridpur to Barisal and thus establish rail connectivity between Barisal and capital Dhaka through the Padma Multipurpose Bridge.

The Ministry of Railways has recently sent a Preliminary Development Project Proposal (PDPP) to the Planning Commission on ‘Construction of Broad Gauge Railway Line from Bhanga to Barisal and Feasibility Study from Barisal to Payra Sea Port Section’ involving Tk 9,990 crore.

Under the proposed project, a 100-km railway track will be set up from Bhanga in Faridpur to Barisal and then a feasibility study will be conducted to further extend the railway communications from Barisal to Payra Sea Port of Patuakhali, a Planning Commission official preferring anonymity told UNB.

Bangladesh Railway will implement the proposed project from July 2016 to June 2021.

The Planning Commission official said the Barisal Division, encompassing half of the southern part of the country, has no railway connectivity although the region is important as it has a maritime port and has a reputation of being a big rice bowl. “Rail link will enhance economic activities in the region. In the future, it can be extended to the proposed Payra Sea Port,” the official added.

The Planning Commission official further said the Bhanga-Barisal route will get connected with the proposed Padma railway link thus deriving the full benefit of the Padma Bridge, which will connect Barisal and Dhaka through a shorter route.

The distance from Dhaka to Barisal will then be 185 kilometers, reducing the travel time by three hours.

He said many people will be able to travel conveniently to their workplaces. “The proposed project will link Barisal with Khulna, Jessore, Benapole, Darsana, Mongla Port, Rajshahi and other important areas of Bangladesh.

Of the total project cost, he said, Tk 1998 crore will come from the national exchequer while Tk 7,992 crore from project assistance, likely from the government of China or any other donor agency.

Besides, an official at the Ministry of Railways said the cost estimation of the proposed project has been made based on the Padma Bridge Rail Link project, Phase 1 (Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga). The actual cost will be determined after conducting the feasibility study and detailed design.

Once the project is completed, the official said, people from all over Bangladesh will get the benefit of speedy, safe, low-cost and comfortable railway transportation facility to Barisal, improving the socioeconomic condition of Bangladesh.

This project will help link Barisal with Dhaka as well as with the rest of the country enabling Bangladesh Railway to introduce train services for carrying passengers and goods.