Khairul Alam from Cox’s Bazar: Starting next month, the Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram railway line is set to become operational, according to project officials.
The picturesque tourist destination of Cox’s Bazar, famous for its stunning beaches, is preparing to receive its first train service by mid-October, with trial runs expected to commence shortly.
Mofizur Rahman, the director of the Cox’s Bazar railway project, stated, “We plan to initiate trial train services in mid-October. However, it will take a few more months to fully operationalize commercial train services.”
This railway project, initiated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in April 2011, aimed to connect the coastal town of Cox’s Bazar to Chattogram via Ramu and Ghumdhum. In 2016, it was incorporated as part of the Fast Track project, designed to facilitate easy connectivity across the country.
The project involves laying a total of 130 kilometers of railway tracks, with 102 kilometers connecting Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar and an additional 28 kilometers linking Ramu to Ghumdhum. However, the railway line from Chattogram to Dohazari was already in operation prior to this project.
The Cox’s Bazar station, a six-story building located in Jhinuk’s Adalat area, spans over 182,000 square feet. It boasts three platforms, each 650 meters long and 12 meters wide. The entire project is estimated to cost around BDT 18.34 billion.
The Cox’s Bazar-Ramu-Ghumdhum railway project, initiated in March 2018, is expected to be completed by June 2024.
The station also features modern amenities such as ATMs, a post office, tourist information booths, and more.
This railway station, designed in the shape of a seashell, aims to enhance the travel experience for the approximately 46,000 passengers expected to visit the only modern railway station in the country, offering a comfortable environment for travelers.
Passengers will also have the convenience of luggage storage facilities, allowing them to explore the beautiful seaside town and other tourist attractions hassle-free.