PM opens Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail line

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the much awaited 100-kilometre Dohazari to Coxs Bazar railway line in a bid to ensure fast and smooth movement of trains from the port city to the tourist town Cox’s Bazar.

She inaugurated the railway line on Saturday (November 11) noon.

The first rail link to Bangladesh’s southeast coast, Cox’s Bazar, will help usher in a new age of trade and connectivity for the region.

Upon the opening of the iconic oyster-shaped railway station in Hajipara of Jhelongja union of Cox’s Bazar, an official rail link will be established with the coastal town for the first time ever.

The new rail line will reduce travel time between Cox’s Bazar and other parts of the country, making it easier and more affordable for tourists and businesses to visit the region, say stakeholders.

The railway line constructed at a cost of Tk18,034 crore will transform the economic landscape of the region, bringing radical changes to the business, industry, and tourism sectors.

Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan earlier said the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar railway line was a priority project of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The rail line will be connected with the Matarbari deep sea port in the future.

Project Director Mohammad Mofizur Rahman said the 100-km route has nine stations at Satkania, Lohagora, Chokoria, Dulahazra, Eidgao, Ramu, Cox's Bazar Sadar, Ukhiya, and Gumdum.

These stations will have 100% computer-based interlocking signal systems and a fully digitalised telecommunications network.

A total of Tk 6,034 crore out of Tk18,034 crore project cost was met from domestic sources while the Asian Development Bank provided Tk12,000 crore as credit. Two Chinese firms have implemented the project.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation of the project in April 2011.