CHITTAGONG, Dec 16: The much hyped construction works of the 128.22km long Dohazari-Cox's Bazaar rail track with10 stations, 47 railway bridges including four large bridges, and 149 concrete culverts, is expected to begin early next year.
Moreover, the proposed rail line is connected with the Trans-Asian Railway network, that was initiated in the '60s, comprises 1,14,000 kilometre of rail routes of international importance. It aims to offer efficient rail transport services for goods and passengers between Asia and Europe.
According to Bangladesh Railway (BR) sources, the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the implementation of the project has already been prepared.
The DPP is expected to be submitted to the Ministry during the current month of December for approval, sources added.
BR undertook the project in 2000 last.
The Canarail, a Canadian firm, has conducted a feasibility study in 2001 last.
But in 2010, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has rejected the feasibility study conducted by the Canarail.
Presently, the ADB study team is now working on the design and drawing of the 128.22 km long project.
The ADB has started updating the feasibility study of the project since November 11, 2012.
The study had already been completed, BR sources confirmed, adding that it was expected to be handed over to them by this month.
ADB prepared a detailed design and tender documents etc. under an agreement with the Bangladesh Government for the concerned projects and other six projects at a cost of 11.57 million US Dollar.
As per the Canarail study report, the 128.22km long rail line from Dhazari to Cox's Bazaar and from Ramu to Gundum will have 10 stations, 47 railway bridges including four large bridges, 149 concrete culverts.
With the implementation of the project, the long felt demand of the people of the Southern part of Chittagong including Cox's Bazaar will be materialised. Moreover, the rail line will connect the port city to the tourist city of Cox's Bazaar. The tourism industry will immensely be developed in Cox's Bazaar with the materialization of the project.
About 24 lakh passengers are focused to travel by the proposed rail line. The project also aims at connecting Cox's Bazaar, the country's top tourist attraction, with the rest of the country.
The link offers immense potential to shorten the distances and reduce transit time between countries and regions facilitating trade expansion, economic growth and cultural exchanges.
If the project completed, besides Bangladesh, the following countries would be benefited from the Trans-Asia Railway networks are namely Cambodia, India, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Thailand, among others.