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Bangladesh celebrated a momentous occasion on Tuesday with the official launch of its largest railway project, the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project (PBRLP).
The inaugural train, adorned with vibrant balloons and ribbons, made its first journey to Dhaka station, marking the completion of a transformative project that redefines the country’s transportation infrastructure.
A Landmark Achievement
Constructed by China Railway Group Limited (CREC) and financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, the 170-kilometer railway connects the capital city, Dhaka, with Jashore in the southwest. Locally dubbed the “Dream Road,” the railway is a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Bangladesh.
The PBRLP dramatically reduces travel time between Dhaka and Jashore, slashing the journey from 10 hours to just three. This efficiency is expected to benefit 80 million people along the route, catalyzing economic growth by an estimated 1.5 percentage points.
“This is a historic moment as Bangladesh embarks on a new era of railway connectivity via the Padma Bridge,” said Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Railways, during the inaugural ceremony.
Md. Fahimul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, praised the project as a landmark in the nation’s railway development. “This marks not just the opening of a new railway segment but the beginning of a transformative chapter for Bangladesh,” he stated.
Strengthening Bangladesh-China Partnership
The PBRLP underscores the deepening economic ties between Bangladesh and China.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, highlighted the project’s significance, calling it a “symbol of China-Bangladesh cooperation with far-reaching economic and social benefits.”
“This railway serves as a vital part of the trans-Asian railway network, fostering regional connectivity and economic growth,” Ambassador Yao noted.
Engineering Feat
The PBRLP, which began construction in July 2018, is built along the iconic Padma Bridge, the largest infrastructure project in Bangladesh. Developed by the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group, the railway connects Dhaka with over 20 districts in the country’s southern region.
“This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of Bangladesh and China to sustainable development,” added Secretary Islam, emphasizing the transformative potential of the project.
Economic and Social Impact
The PBRLP is poised to reshape transportation and commerce in Bangladesh. By linking the capital to previously underserved districts, the railway creates new opportunities for trade, mobility, and economic development.
“This new railway sets the stage for a more interconnected and prosperous future,” said Khan, envisioning the broader impact of the “Dream Road.”
A Vision Realized
As trains now traverse the Padma Bridge, the PBRLP stands as a testament to Bangladesh’s progress in infrastructure development. With its potential to drive growth and foster connectivity, the railway marks a bold step toward a more integrated and dynamic future for the nation.
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