Speaking at a press conference at Sirajganj’s Sayedabad Railway Station, he said that while trains previously crossed the bridge at 20km/h, they can now travel at 120km/h.
"From Tuesday, trains will operate on two tracks over the Jamuna Rail Bridge, making travel between the north and south of Dhaka more convenient. Freight trains will also begin using the bridge, boosting regional trade and revenue," he said.
However, he confirmed that passenger fares would increase as a result.
Fahimul Islam explained that, due to the new dual-gauge double track, trains will no longer have to wait on either side of the bridge, improving travel efficiency.
"For example, the Dhaka to Rajshahi train fare was Tk405, but it will now be Tk450. The new fares will take effect from Wednesday," he said.
When asked about the single-track limitations on the northern railway, he acknowledged the issue, saying: "Currently, 71km from Ishwardi to the railway bridge and 43km from Rajshahi to Abdulpur — a total of 114km — remain single-track. Upgrading these to double-track is a priority project for us."
Earlier in the day, at 11:45am, the railway secretary formally inaugurated train operations on the Jamuna Rail Bridge at Ibrahimabad Station, Tangail, by unveiling a plaque, cutting a ribbon, and releasing balloons.
Addressing concerns about corruption, he assured that any irregularities in the project would be investigated but noted that no specific complaints had been received so far.
