Bangladesh has signed two contracts with India for building a new broad-gauge line between Khulna- Darsana and transforming a metre gauge line into a dual-gauge line between Parbatipur and Kaunia, reported All India Radio News.
The contracts were signed at a ceremony held in Dhaka between representatives of the consultancy firms from India and Bangladesh.
The contract for consultancy services was awarded to the joint venture of Stup Consultants, Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers and Consultants, and Design Consultants (Bangladesh partner).
These two projects are being undertaken with financing from the Indian Line of Credit (LoC).
The 126km-long Khulna-Darshana broad gauge rail line will feature 147 bridges over, including four girder bridges and 143 RCC box culvert bridges.
Under LoC, the Khulna-Darsana rail line project is being developed at a cost of $312.48 million under LoC, reported Dhaka Tribune.
The present contract is regarding carrying out feasibility study with detailed engineering design for the project.
The 57km metre gauge line from Parbatipur to Kaunia will be converted to dual gauge line.
Under LoC, the Parbatipur-Kaunia rail line project is being developed at $120.41m.
This project features seven railway stations as well as 47 bridges with 14 girder bridges and 33 box culvert bridges.
Bangladesh Railway Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan said that following the construction of the Parbatipur-Kaunia dual gauge line, the country’s connectivity with India, Nepal and Bhutan will grow, and will help boost passenger and cargo services.
———————————————————————————————————————
Image: The contracts were signed at a ceremony held in Dhaka. Credit: aymane jdidi from Pixabay.
