Mohammad Sohel, Cox’s Bazar : The Ministry of Railways and State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid have arrived in Cox’s Bazar on a two-day visit to examine the feasibility of operating the Cox’s Bazar iconic railway station under private management through lease.
As part of the visit, he is visiting various stations on the Cox’s Bazar railway. During this time, the quality of passenger service, security system and existing infrastructure facilities are being evaluated.
While exchanging views with journalists at the office of Tama Construction in Chakaria on Saturday (August 1) afternoon, the State Minister said that if the Cox’s Bazar iconic railway station is operated under private management, its effectiveness, quality of passenger service and financial potential are being examined. In addition, possible areas for implementing future development plans are also being reviewed.
He said that the railway is not only a means of communication; it can also play an important role in environmental conservation. To maintain the ecological balance of the country, at least 25 percent of the total land area should be forested. Keeping this goal in mind, plans are being made to further expand the greening activities in the areas adjacent to the railway.
The State Minister said that during the construction of the 102-kilometer Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar railway line, about 240,000 trees were removed. The current condition of the trees that have been planted instead will be reviewed. At the same time, it will be determined where new trees can be planted.
In response to a question, he said that to make the travel of people in Chakaria, South Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar regions easier, there are plans to launch another pair of trains called ‘Mahanagar Express’ on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar route. Once the train is launched, passengers from Chakaria will be able to easily connect with Dhaka-bound trains by going to Chittagong.
Regarding security and passenger services, the State Minister said that adequate lighting, installation of CCTV cameras and strengthening of railway police patrols are necessary at various railway stations including Chakaria, Dulahazara and Harbang. Necessary steps will be taken after discussing these issues with the ministry.
Present at the event were General Manager (GM) of the Eastern Region of the Railways, Sabuktagin Mahmud, Project Director (PD) of the Cox’s Bazar Rail Project, Ershadul Haque, and Project Director of Tama Construction, Bimal Saha.
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