Tangail, Jan 05 (V7N) — After years of anticipation, the country’s largest railway bridge over the Jamuna River is set to undergo full-speed trial runs starting Sunday and Monday (January 6). Two trains will operate in both directions to test the bridge’s readiness for high-speed rail operations.

Project Director Al Fattah Masudur Rahman confirmed the development to the media on Saturday. He stated, “Earlier, on November 26, we conducted a trial run at a maximum speed of 40 km/h. On Tuesday, we will test the bridge with trains running at full speed.”

The two-day trial aims to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge and identify any potential issues. “If no problems arise, the bridge will be deemed ready. Otherwise, necessary adjustments will be made,” he added.

During the trials, one train will travel from the east side of the bridge and another from the west, utilizing the two separate lines. Officials from the Railway Ministry will also be present for Monday's inspection.

Al Fattah stated that, pending a successful trial, all relevant documents would be submitted to the authorities, who will determine the inauguration date. The bridge is expected to be inaugurated by mid or late February.

The bridge’s construction began in August 2020 with an initial budget of 9,734.7 crore taka, later revised to 16,780.96 crore taka. Of this, 12,149.2 crore taka was financed through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project was originally slated for completion between July 2016 and December 2023 but was extended to December 2024.

The first trial train operation on the bridge occurred on November 26, 2024, at a speed of 40 km/h.

This ambitious infrastructure project is expected to significantly enhance the country’s rail connectivity, marking a milestone in Bangladesh's transportation development.

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