Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the nationwide rail connectivity to Mongla, the location of the country’s second-largest seaport, on November 9, 2023.
According to the project’s stakeholders, the commencement of train operations on the Mongla-Khulna railway line will usher in a new era in trade and commerce for the southwestern region, including Mongla Port. They intend to develop this railway line not only for domestic but also for international rail transportation, which is expected to significantly boost port activities.
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Advocate Saiful Islam, the Secretary-General of the Mongla Port Users’ Coordination Committee, also pointed out that transporting cargo by road is substantially more expensive, costing 10-20 times more than rail transport.
As per information provided by railway authorities, the government initiated the construction of railway tracks from Phultala railway station in Khulna to Mongla port in 2010 with the aim of enhancing the transportation of goods to India, Nepal, and Bhutan through the transit facility. It will be a remarkable achievement for the Awamin Government and Prime Minister.
Mongla-Khulna Railway Line Project Design and Cost
On December 21, 2010, the railway line project received approval from the National Economic Council Executive Committee (Ecnec). The initial phase of the project was estimated to cost Tk1,721 crore.
The project was segmented into three major components, comprising the construction of a railway bridge over the Rupsa River, the installation of primary railway lines, and the establishment of telecommunications and signaling systems. Project commencement occurred in 2011, with an original completion deadline of December 2013. But due to the project not being finished on time, the expenses increased to Tk3,801 crore in the first amendment. Subsequently, the project was rescheduled for completion in December 2021. After the second round of amendments, the new completion date was set for December 31, 2022, and the expenses rose to Tk4,260.88 crore.
The railway bridge over the Rupsa River was constructed by the Indian contractor Larsen & Toubro, while Ircon International, another Indian contractor, handled the remaining project tasks.
Regarding this matter, the project director stated, “Various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, contributed to the project’s delay. The project cost increased by Tk2,539 crore due to the phased revisions, but it remained unchanged despite the extended project duration in the third phase. We are optimistic that this time the project will adhere to the schedule.”-
Nine platforms have been constructed up to Phultala-Mongla, and 107 small bridges and nine underpasses have been completed as part of the project. The total length of this railway amounts to 91 kilometers.
Bagerhat-3 lawmaker and Deputy Minister of Environment Habibun Nahar expressed, “The railway line will play a crucial role in facilitating the transportation of goods with India, Nepal, and Bhutan. In particular, the transportation of shrimp and apparel will become more convenient.”
Project Benefits of The Mongla-Khulna Railway Line
The Mongla-Khulna Railway Line Project is a railway infrastructure development project located in Bangladesh. This project aims to connect the Mongla Port, one of the country’s major seaports, to the city of Khulna through a railway line. The benefits of this project include:
Improved Connectivity: The railway line will enhance connectivity between the Mongla Port and Khulna, which are important economic hubs in Bangladesh. This improved connectivity will facilitate the movement of goods and people, boosting regional development.
Economic Growth: The project is expected to stimulate economic growth by promoting trade and commerce. It will make it easier for businesses to transport goods to and from the Mongla Port, thus reducing transportation costs and improving trade efficiency.
Reduced Congestion: By providing an alternative mode of transportation, the railway line can help reduce congestion on the road network. This can lead to faster and more reliable transportation of goods and reduce traffic-related issues.
Environmental Benefits: Rail transportation is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than road transportation. By shifting some of the cargo transport from roads to railways, the project can help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.
Job Creation: The construction and operation of the railway line will create job opportunities for local residents. This can contribute to increased employment and income in the region.
Enhanced Regional Development: Improved transportation infrastructure can lead to the development of new industries and businesses in the area, contributing to the overall development of the region.
Trade Facilitation: The railway line will help facilitate international trade by providing an efficient means of transporting goods to and from the Mongla Port, which is a crucial gateway for imports and exports.
Tourism: The railway line can also enhance tourism by providing easier access to the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. Tourists and researchers may find it more convenient to reach the area via rail.
Reduced Transportation Costs: Rail transportation can be cost-effective for the movement of bulk cargo and can lead to cost savings for businesses engaged in bulk trade through the Mongla Port.
Long-Term Sustainability: Investing in railway infrastructure can have long-term benefits as it provides a reliable and sustainable mode of transportation that can serve the region for many years.
Overall, the Mongla-Khulna Railway Line Project is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity in Bangladesh. It can contribute to reducing transportation bottlenecks, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the region.
Comments From Govt Officials and Other Dignitaries
Here are some of the comments and viewpoints expressed by various government officials and dignitaries regarding the Mongla-Khulna Railway Line project;
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon said, “The opening of the Khulna-Mongla railway will increase the trade opportunity for India, Nepal, and Bhutan through transit facility and there will be an opportunity to import and export goods at low costs through the Mongla port.”
Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali said, “As a result, transportation of goods will be much easier. The cost and time of transportation of goods will also be reduced a lot,”
President of the Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “The region has the potential to become the largest economic hub of the country in terms of population. However, no progress has been made in this area till today due to the lack of smooth communication systems.”
Conclusion
The inauguration of the nationwide rail connectivity to Mongla, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s transportation and trade infrastructure. The project’s delayed journey, although marred by cost increases, is poised to boost economic growth, regional development, and trade facilitation. By improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability, this railway line will represent a vital step forward for the nation’s economic prospects and overall quality of life.
