Jashore-Benapole double-track study nears completion, promising major trade boost
A high-level feasibility team recently inspected Jashore Railway Junction, Benapole station and related infrastructure as part of the assessment.
The feasibility study for Bangladesh Railway's proposed 38-kilometre double-tracking of the Jashore-Benapole rail line has entered its final stage, with the government expected to decide on the project after receiving the final report within the next six months to a year, officials said.
A high-level feasibility team recently inspected Jashore Railway Junction, Benapole station and related infrastructure as part of the assessment.
"The feasibility study team inspected the railway stations, tracks and other relevant infrastructure at Jashore and Benapole," said Saiduzzaman, station master of Jashore Railway Junction.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Faster journeys, greater capacity
Railway officials said double-tracking would transform passenger and freight movement between Bangladesh and India by eliminating delays caused by the existing single-track line, where trains must wait for oncoming services to pass.
The project is expected to cut travel time on the Dhaka-Jashore-Benapole route by 30 to 45 minutes, virtually eliminate crossing delays and allow many more passenger and freight trains to operate.
The additional capacity would ease ticket shortages, particularly for passport holders travelling to India, while enabling new services from Dhaka, Khulna, Chattogram and northern Bangladesh.
Officials also said faster freight movement through Benapole, the country's largest land port, would reduce demurrage costs, lower transport expenses and ultimately benefit consumers.
As part of the Trans-Asian Railway Network, the upgraded corridor would also strengthen rail connectivity and trade among Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Land, bridge challenges
The project is being prepared under Bangladesh Railway's Connectivity Improvement Preparatory Facility, with feasibility work beginning in 2024.
According to project sources, most of the new track will be laid beside the existing line using railway-owned land, minimising fresh land acquisition. However, some private land will be needed around stations and on curved sections.
The biggest engineering challenge is the ageing rail bridge over the Kapotaksha River at Jhikargachha. A parallel broad-gauge bridge will have to be built, while rehabilitation experts are working to minimise displacement around Jhikargachha station and nearby market areas.
Bangladesh Railway is also preparing compensation and rehabilitation plans for affected landowners and occupants to avoid legal and social complications.
New regional rail links
Habibur Rahman, a member of the feasibility team and former additional director general (Operations) of Bangladesh Railway, said the project would significantly improve passenger and freight transport through Benapole.
"Although its success will also depend on Bangladesh-India relations and the operational efficiency of Benapole port," he said. "The feasibility study is in its final stage. We will submit the report as quickly as possible, after which the government will take the next steps."
He said double-tracking could pave the way for all-day commuter trains between Benapole, Khulna and Mongla, increase the number and speed of intercity trains to Dhaka, and create new passenger and freight links to Rajshahi and Chilahati.
