Dear Sir
Despite repeated deadline extensions and soaring costs, the construction of the 3rd and 4th dual gauge railway lines in the Dhaka-Tongi section and the dual gauge double line in the Tongi-Joydevpur section remains incomplete. Several contractors have abandoned the projects midway, leading to further delays and financial strain.
Officials from the Railway Ministry have raised concerns over the timely execution of the Dhaka-Narayanganj and Dhaka-Tongi-Joydevpur railway projects. These projects have suffered from cost overruns and extended delays due to the involvement of inexperienced contractors. Initially budgeted at 84.86 crore taka and expected to be completed by 2015, work only began in 2019. With only 58.25% completed, authorities now seek to extend the deadline to 2027 at an additional cost of 2,158.96 crore taka.
Delays have been attributed to contractor negligence, raw material shortages, and inefficient project management. Despite issuing fresh tenders, no penalties have been imposed on previous contractors. The total project cost has now risen nearly 300%, from 850 crore taka to 3,350 crore taka. Bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress, affecting payments and execution. Once completed, the railway system will enhance connectivity, allowing faster train travel from Dhaka.
Maisha Zahan
By E-mail
