Key Highlights:
- Travel time across the bridge significantly reduced to 2-3 minutes
- Improved rail connectivity between Dhaka and North & South Bengal
- Inauguration ceremony held at Ibrahimabad Railway Station
- Project faced cost overruns and deadline extensions
After years of anticipation, Bangladesh today marked a significant milestone in its infrastructure development with the inauguration of its longest railway bridge, spanning the mighty Jamuna River.
The new structure promises to revolutionize rail travel between the capital, Dhaka, and the northern and southern regions of the country. Passengers can now look forward to a swift two to three-minute journey across the expansive river.
Official Ceremony Marks Landmark Achievement
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Ibrahimabad Railway Station on the eastern side of the bridge at 10:00 AM. High-ranking officials from Bangladesh Railway and the Ministry of Railways graced the event. Fahimul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, officiated as the chief guest.
The ceremony also saw the presence of esteemed international guests, including Saiida Shinichi, the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Aiit Teroiuki, Director General of JICA's South Asia Department, underscoring the significant role of Japanese cooperation in the project.
Faster and More Efficient Travel Expected
Following the formal proceedings, attendees embarked on an inaugural train journey from Ibrahimabad to Soydabad Railway Station on the western end, offering them a first-hand experience of the newly commissioned bridge.
A press conference was held at Soydabad Station to further detail the benefits of the infrastructure. Md. Afzal Hossain, Director General of Bangladesh Railway, emphasized the dramatic reduction in crossing time, which will lead to overall time savings for passengers on both sides of the river.
State-of-the-Art Technology Employed
The 4.8-kilometer double-line dual-gauge bridge incorporates advanced technology, according to Bangladesh Railway's Chief Engineer Tanveerul Islam.
Notably, the bridge's construction eliminates the future need for painting. This modern infrastructure is poised to become a vital artery connecting the north-western regions with Dhaka.
New Era for North Bengal Connectivity
Goutam Kumar Kundu, Divisional Commercial Officer of Pakshi Railway Division, hailed the bridge as the dawn of a new era for connectivity with North Bengal. He confirmed that 30 intercity and 2 commuter trains will regularly utilize the bridge, facilitating faster and more efficient travel.
Significant Time Savings Compared to Old Bridge
Al Fattah Md. Masudur Rahman, the Project Director, elaborated on the time savings, stating that the main bridge crossing will take a mere two to three minutes, while the entire 13-kilometer stretch between Soydabad and Ibrahimabad stations will be covered in just over seven minutes.
This is a stark contrast to the 20-25 minutes previously required to cross via the old Jamuna Road Bridge's railway track. With the new bridge operational, the railway line on the old road bridge will no longer be used.
Project History: From Inception to Completion
The new railway bridge stands adjacent to the existing Jamuna Road Bridge, which had a railway track added belatedly after its inauguration in 1998, establishing direct rail links to the north-west. However, the discovery of cracks in the road bridge in 2008 led to speed restrictions for trains.
In response, the government initiated the project for a separate railway bridge in December 2016. The project, featuring a dual-gauge double track, initially had a budget of Tk 9,734.07 crore and a completion target of 2023. However, the costs escalated to Tk 16,780.96 crore, and the deadline was extended to 2025.
The project received significant funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), covering 72.40% of the total cost, with the remaining 27.60% funded domestically. Initially named Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge, its name was changed to Jamuna Railway Bridge last December.
Future Prospects: Faster Speeds and Increased Capacity
Built on 50 pillars with 49 spans, the new Jamuna Railway Bridge is designed to accommodate train speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. Railway sources indicate an initial operational speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour.
The inauguration marks a significant step towards enhancing the country's transportation infrastructure, promising faster, safer, and more efficient rail travel for millions.
