Bangladesh Railway (BR) yesterday signed an agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to construct rail lines connecting Dohazari and Cox's Bazar via Ramu, reports BSS. Railways Minister M Mujibul Haque was present as the chief guest at the agreement signing ceremony at Rail Bhaban conference room in the city, said a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the present government has given utmost importance to the rail sector development.  "Allocation has been increased substantially in the rail sector and big projects have been undertaken at the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the uplift of the sector," he added.
With the construction of Dohazari-Ramu-Cox's Bazar dual gauge project, the minister said, the number of domestic and foreign tourists would increase more in Cox's Bazar that would play a significant role in the country's economy, saying this rail line would connect Bangladesh to the Trans-Asian railway.
The project has been divided into 2 lots. The first lot would be constructed from Dohazari to Chakaria, which would jointly constructed by China's CREC and Bangladesh's Toma's Construction Company. The first lot would be constructed at a cost of Taka 2,688 crore.
The second lot is located from Chakaria to Ramu and Cox's Bazar. This section would jointly construct by CCICC and Bangladesh's Max Infrastructure Ltd. It would be constructed at a cost of Taka 3,503 crore.  Of the project, a total of 102 kilometers New Duel Gauge project would be constructed through 184 small and big bridges, nine station buildings, platforms and sheds. Besides, an Iconic station building in Cox's Bazar will be built on the oceanic seashore.
The project director Md Mafizur Rahman and the representative of China's CREC, Zhong Guangzhou, Zhao Dianglong, the president of the CCICC of the second lot signed the two lots. The project would be constructed by the Asian Development Bank and the contract is valid for 3 years.
Secretary-in-charge of the ministry Md. Mofazzel Hossain, Director General of Railway Md. Amzad Hossain and other high officials were present at that time.