Train services on Khulna-Mongla railway line not operational after 2 months since inauguration

Two months have passed since its inauguration, but train services on the Khulna-Mongla railway line are yet to become operational.

Residents of the Khulna region are anxiously waiting for the commencement of train services on this line.

However, authorities stated that some minor work on the railway line is still pending, and the date for starting train operation will be determined by March.

The Fultala Rail Station project, connecting Khulna's Fultala Station to Mongla for efficient transportation of goods with neighboring countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan, began in 2010. Despite the initial completion deadline set for December 2013, various delays prolonged the project. By the end of December 2022, only 75 out of the total 90 km of the rail track was completed.

To extend the project deadline, an application was submitted to the relevant ministry for a six-month extension until June 2023. Despite another deadline extension, no additional funds were allocated for the project.

The railway project faced numerous obstacles since its approval on December 21, 2010, during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council. The initial tendering process alone took two years to finalize for the three-year project.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Khulna-Mongla railway line on November 1, and the railway authorities announced the start date for commuter trains from January 1, 2024. However, due to the incomplete work, services have not commenced yet.

As per the Western Zone General Manager (GM) of the Railway, Asim Kumar Talukdar, some minor work on the Khulna-Mongla railway line are still pending. The official handover of the line to the railway authorities has not taken place, and it will take some more days for the transfer to occur. Once transferred, a new date for train operations will be announced.

Regarding the project's status, the Project Director of the Khulna-Mongla Railway Line, M Arifuzzaman, mentioned that some tasks are yet to be completed. It is hoped that all work will conclude, and the railway line will be handed over to the authorities by March, followed by the announcement of a new date for train operations. 

Source: UNB