Rail bridge over Karnaphuli river to be built next year: Minister
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan on Wednesday said the construction of a railway-cum-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat in Chattogram will begin early next year.
The minister inspected the construction site on Wednesday.
He told reporters that the bridge will be built at the initiative of the Ministry of Railways, funded by the Korean government, where the railway and road would coexist.
The minister said the bridge might have been built earlier. But there was a misunderstanding that whether there will be separate railway bridges or rail and road together. Later, according to the directive of the Prime Minister, your choice was taken to build a railway-cum-road bridge, reports UNB.
As per your choice, negotiation is underway with the Korean Economic Development Corporation Fund (EDCF), said Sujan.
"It is hoped that the construction begins between January and March next year," he said.
The minister further said the look of the bridge has been finalised and the location has been fixed.
He said that bridge is vital for the people of Chattogram. It is very important to build the bridge to determine a primary rail link with Cox's Bazar in future. The railway line to Cox's Bazar will be operational by 2022.
"We'll make an effort to complete the construction of the bridge around once."
"Once constructed, it’ll ensure uninterrupted rail transport service and remove operational barriers of Chattogram-Cox's Bazar corridor. Economic development will be performed by improving the living standards of the locals and increasing regional exchange facilities."
