Dhaka, Mar 18 (V7N) – After a long wait, the Jamuna Rail Bridge, the longest railway bridge in Bangladesh and one of the largest in Asia, has finally been inaugurated. Officials say the bridge will significantly ease rail travel between Dhaka and the northern and southern regions of the country.

The bridge was inaugurated on Tuesday morning by Railway Ministry Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam, who marked the occasion by releasing pigeons and balloons at the Ibrahimabad East Station area. The ceremony was presided over by Bangladesh Railways Director General M Afzal Hossain, with Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Saida Shinichi and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Director General for South Asia Ito Teruyuki attending as special guests. Project Director Al Fattah Masudur Rahman delivered the welcoming speech.

Speaking at the event, the Railway Secretary highlighted that the bridge would play a crucial role in boosting trade, commerce, and overall quality of life for people in North Bengal. He also confirmed that train operations on both lines would commence from Tuesday.

The first passenger-carrying train to cross the Jamuna Rail Bridge was the Silk City Express from Rajshahi, which successfully reached Dhaka on February 12 during a trial run. During testing, a train crossed the bridge at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour, completing the journey in approximately three and a half minutes.

Authorities have stated that the bridge, constructed using state-of-the-art steel technology, rests on 50 piers and 49 spans and has a projected durability of 100 years. While a double-track rail line is planned for the future, the bridge is currently operating as a single-track railway, meaning its full benefits will take time to be realized.

According to railway sources, this 4.8-kilometer-long bridge, built at a cost of approximately 16,800 crore taka, is a joint initiative between Bangladesh and Japan. Beyond being an engineering marvel, it is expected to enhance national and regional connectivity, with the potential to transform Bangladesh into a transshipment and transport hub for neighboring countries, including India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. Additionally, the bridge will serve as a key component of the Trans-Asian Railway Network, further strengthening Bangladesh’s position in global trade and logistics.

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