KHULNA, Oct 14, 2023(BSS)-  Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon  today said that present Government had been relentlessly  striving for expansion and modernization of rail lines to bring entire country   under rail connectivity .

The minister said railway is the national asset   and termed it as the best mode  of easy and safe transportation even in any natural disaster. 

The Railways Minister made the remark in a press briefing after visiting alignment (Bridge no-10) of Khulna-Mongla Railway project from Fultala Railway Station to Mohammadnagar Railway Station this afternoon.

Sujon said    it will help to play a vital role for the development of economy of the country’s south-western region.

 “Connectivity between Bangladesh with India, Nepal and Bhutan will enhance and the three foreign countries will get benefits with the export and import of products in cheaper cost  by using the rail lines,” he said.

He, however, said after opening Khulna-Mongla Railway line, huge employment will be created, tourism sector will be flourished side by side the  country will fetch huge revenues.

The construction work of 5.13 kilometres long Railway line on Rupsha river was 100 percent completed while 98.05 percent has been completed from Fultola Station to Mohammadnagar Station, said the the minister  adding that the remaining  works will be completed by October 31.

He also said  that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to  inaugurate Khulna-Mongla Railway line on November 9.

Secretary of Railway Ministry Dr Md Humayun Kabir, Project Director Md Arifuzzaman, Acting deputy commissioner Mukul Kumar Maitra, Chief engineer of the project Ahmed Hossain Masum, additional chief engineer Md Ariful Islam, among others, were present.

 Khulna-Mongla Railway line project is being implemented by  Indian organizations -Larsen, Tarbo and Irkon .

Besides, the project has nine platforms, 107 small bridges and nine underpasses.

The construction work of 91 kilometre long Fultala-Mongla double rail line is being completed at a cost of Taka 4,260.89 crore.

Later, the Minister also visited Mongla Railway station.