Bangladesh Fast-Tracks Chittagong-Cox's Bazar Railway Project
17 August 2017
The Government of Bangladesh is set to select two companies to construct a single-line dual-gauge railway track from Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar. The Bangladesh Ministry of Railways is likely to submit its proposal regarding the selection at the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Purchase. The Ministry says they will give the work order for construction after getting approval from the purchase committee.
The new rail link will form part of the Trans-Asian Rail Route connecting Bangladesh and its neighbors, including China, Myanmar, and Thailand. Rail connectivity to Cox’s Bazar will boost tourism as passengers will be able to reach the district in only six hours.
The 100-km dual-gauge rail link was taken up as a fast-track project by the Government and is scheduled to be completed by 2022.
The SASEC Chittagong-Cox's Bazaar Railway Project, a $1.5 billion railway project, was approved by ADB in September 2016 to promote trade and boost regional connectivity in Bangladesh.
Related Link:
