The cost of Tongi-Bhairab Bazar Double Line Project will mark a rise by about 17% because of the delay in implementation caused by political turmoil and excessive rainfall over the years.
“Many locations of the project went under water and remained inundated for 5-6 months during monsoon in last two years. So, earthwork had to be suspended during the period. Hartals were enforced for a total of 333 days after the launching of the project, delaying the construction work,” said Najnin Ara Keya, deputy director of Bangladesh Railway, according to UNB.
As the project period would have to be expanded for its smooth completion, its allocation would go up in line with the inflation, Najnin said.
“As per the international contract, the project allocation is revised every year considering the inflation,” he added.
The total cost of the railway project is Tk203.68 crore (US$ 293.64 million) for which the government has taken a loan of Tk20.252 crore (US$ 202.52 million) from the Asian Development Bank.
Although the project period was from July 1, 2006 to December 31, 2014, it would need to be expanded up to June 2015, according to Bangladesh Railway officials.
Bangladesh Railway and China Railway Group Limited signed a contract of around Tk1.4 crore on July 27, 2011 to implement the project and the project officially kicked off on November 2 in the same year.
About the progress of the project, official sources said the earthwork started on April 4, 2012. The work was going on covering 64km and about 48.58km embankment had already been completed.
Soil treatment was going on in a 20.2km area. Removal and replacement of soil was being done in 10km area. About 314,116 meters of wick drain, 19,447 meters of sand piles and 46,550 sqm geotextile had been completed, they said.
Najnin said the physical work of the project would be completed by March, 2015 and another three months will be needed to complete other works.
Once completed, Tongi-Bhairab Bazar Double Line Project will help reduce travel time, improve the service of Bangladesh Railway and reduce accident risks.
