Improved railways planned
Its heartening to note that the Dhaka Chattogram railway line will become dual gauge, which will reduce travel time and improve communication between the two major cities. In a time when fast communication links are identified as essential features for trade, commerce and development, this move will be welcomed by traders plus common passengers. The existing line is 320 km which will be reduced to 230 km in the new dual gauge system. Consequently, travel time will be less and a person travelling from one city to another can easily cover the journey within four hours.
This will be a boon for business too since produce from the capital will reach the port city while its fresh. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has already approved the revised project to construct 72 kms dual-gauge double rail-track from Akhaura to Laksham, involving Tk 6,504 crore. Railways is one sector which can become a even more vital mode of communication if more modern trains are introduced with better dining, sleeping and entertainment facilities. The existing train service is very much in demand with train tickets almost always sold out for all out of Dhaka destinations -- an indication that people still prefer trains as a fast and cost saving way to travel. Keeping this in mind, the government will be wise to introduce more trains, especially ones which are fast and comfortable. On the other hand, a prudent move will be to start trains for working people who live in the towns just outside Dhaka.
Many people come from Gazipur, Tangail and even Mymensingh to attend office and after work, go back by train. If a fast non-stop train is introduced with some key drop off points, many will opt for train travel, easing pressure on buses. Such a service is essential from Uttara to Motijheel until the metro rail starts. In many Western countries, most people who live outside the city use the train to come to work in the city and use the private cars only during weekends. With the traffic congestion around Dhaka, covering as far as Tongi and Gazipur, such practices have now become necessary.
