Construction of bridge over Karnaphuli to start next year: Rail Minister

Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan on Wednesday said the construction of a railway-cum-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat in Chattogram will begin early next year.

The minister inspected the construction site on Wednesday.

He told reporters that the bridge would be built at the initiative of the Ministry of Railways, funded by the Korean government, where the railway and road would coexist.

The minister said the bridge could have been built earlier. But there was a misunderstanding that whether there would be separate railway bridges or rail and road together. Later, as per the directive of the Prime Minister, the decision was taken to build a railway-cum-road bridge.

As per the decision, negotiation is underway with the Korean Economic Development Corporation Fund (EDCF), said Sujan.

“It is hoped that the construction will start between January and March next year,” he said.

The minister further said the design of the bridge has been finalised and the location has been fixed.

He said that this bridge is very important for the people of Chattogram. It is very important to build the bridge to establish a direct rail link with Cox's Bazar in future. The railway line to Cox's Bazar will be operational by 2022.

“We’ll try to complete the construction of the bridge around the same time.”

“Once constructed, it’ll ensure uninterrupted rail transport service and remove operational barriers of Chattogram-Cox's Bazar corridor. Economic development will be achieved by improving the living standards of the locals and increasing regional exchange facilities.”

A large corridor will be created for the Matarbari deep-sea port. Besides, it will reduce traffic congestion in the country’s commercial capital, and play an effective role as part of the Trans-Asian Railway network, he added.