Dhaka-Ctg route to get high-speed trains
We expect
a complete
feasibility study of this project and not miss out any crucial point. Also the full length study may include foreign experts
According to Planning Commission and the railways ministry sources, the government is planning to introduce high-speed trains on the countrys most important route: Dhaka-Chittagong rail route. The key reason for the said planning is to reduce travel time by two hours from the existing six to seven hours. In fact, according to many passengers the travel time is actually eight plus hours. Its not only extra travel time in the shape of wasted time but its also continual breakdown of scheduling on this route thats happening for quite some time. We, however, welcome the governments realisation of this sad truth. The idea for introducing fast trains has a strong logic which should have been assessed a lot earlier.
At present, the railway line between Dhaka and Chittagong passes through Akhaurha in Brahmanbaria. But with the introduction of the proposed express line, the route could be shortened by around 90 km. If the project is implemented, high-speed trains would first go to Moynamati in Comilla via Fatullah of Narayanganj and Daudkandi and Mohanpur and then run in parallel with the existing Comilla-Chittagong rail line.
In terms of technical cooperation, Japan has reportedly shown interest. Its a good sign since the country is highly regarded in this field. The Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh has stated that it would provide support for the construction of the proposed Dhaka-Chittagong railway line as it has expertise in operating such trains. Simultaneously, its important that our railway authority digs deeper inside the existing factors which are delaying our trains and fix them befittingly.
The plain fact is the fast trains wont run any time soon. According to the project profile, the ministry will conduct a feasibility study until December 2018 and the project has been estimated at around Tk. 109.57 crore. By the time the initial phases begin its likely to go up too. In the meantime, concerned authorities coupled with Japanese assistance should train up a skilled workforce. Most importantly, transfer knowledge and know-how.
However, two points regarding the new proposal should be handled with maximum efficiency first, the construction of 110km new rail lines and second, 100MG of uninterrupted electricity to operate 10 trains simultaneously at a speed of 200km per hour. Flaws in constructing the new line may risk unanticipated accidents and in times of mounting consumption of energy the government should also plan for exclusive arrangements to provide unhindered supply of electricity to these fast trains.
Finally, we expect the complete feasibility study of this project not to miss out any crucial point. Also the full length study must include foreign experts, if required. It can also be carried out jointly with Japanese assistance.
