Improved rail connectivity will lead to smoother flow of products across international borders

India and Bangladesh have signed a contract for consulting services related to the construction of double line rail track between Khulna-Darshana Junction Section and conversion of meter gauge line to dual gauge line in Parbatipur-Kaunia Section of the Bangladesh Railway.

The official Twitter account of the High Commission of India in Bangladesh wrote, "Milestone in India-Bangladesh development cooperation! Consultancy Contracts for Khulna-Darsana &Parbatipur-Kaunia rail projects under India LOC signed today. These projects will enhance rail connectivity in Bangladesh & have the potential to transform cross-border goods movement, boosting sub-regional growth."

The contract was signed on Thursday. Both projects will be launched with the assistance of a $2 billion concessional loan offered to the Government of Bangladesh under the Government of India's Second Line of Credit (LOC).

The 126.25-kilometer long Khulna-Darshana railway project is being built at a total cost of USD 312.48 million in order to boost freight capacity and improve connectivity on the routes connecting Mongla Port and Darshana-Ged, Khulna-Chilahati, and Khulna-Rajshahi.

This will make it easier to transfer fuel to the planned fossil fuel-based power plants in Harian, Bheramara, Santahar, Bangabandhu Setu West Station, Amanura, Faridpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur.

The Parvatipur-Kaunia railway project, which spans 57 km, is being built for a total of USD 120.41 million. This project will increase the transport capacity of the line and improve the capacity of the Parvatipur-Kanchan-Panchgarh corridor segment.

Additionally, once this project is finished, gasoline may be transferred straight from the Khulna region to the Rangpur division.

According to a press release from the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, the agreement to provide consulting services for these significant rail connection projects would accelerate the growth of sub-regional connectivity, trade, and the area as a whole.