Sirajganj, Nov 26 (V7N)- The first experimental train movement has successfully commenced on the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge over the Pramatta Yamuna River. This highly anticipated mega project promises to revolutionize rail connectivity for the northern region of Bangladesh.

The trial train departed from the eastern part of Bhuyapur at 10:15 AM, crossing the country’s longest railway bridge, and arrived at the western side of Sirajganj before returning to the east at 10:41 AM. The trial consisted of an engine and three coaches, initially running at a speed of 10 km/h, gradually increasing to 40 km/h.

Project Director Al-Fattah Masudur Rahman confirmed that two trial trains are currently running between the east and west sides of the bridge. He stated, "Initially, the train is moving at a speed of 10 km, later increasing to 40 km. Speed will gradually increase through repeated trial runs."

Additional Chief Engineer Sheikh Naimul added that while the bridge is structurally complete, it will take approximately two months for trains to achieve full operational speed.

Authorities announced that the official inauguration of the bridge is scheduled for January 2025, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's railway infrastructure development.

The Bangabandhu Railway Bridge is a response to longstanding issues with the existing Bangabandhu Bridge, inaugurated in 1998, which facilitated the North-Western rail link with Dhaka. Cracks discovered in 2008 necessitated reduced train speeds, causing delays and passenger inconvenience. Currently, 38 trains cross the bridge daily at a maximum speed of 20 km/h, resulting in time losses and schedule disruptions.

To address these challenges, the government initiated the construction of a dedicated railway bridge over the Yamuna. The project, which began in August 2020, has an updated budget of Tk 16,780.96 crore, of which Tk 12,149.02 crore was financed through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project on December 6, 2016. Initially scheduled for completion by December 2023, the timeline was later extended to December 2024.

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge is expected to significantly enhance rail capacity and efficiency, alleviating passenger suffering and streamlining transportation between northern Bangladesh and the rest of the country.

END/SHJ/AJ