Dhaka: The expansion project of Benapole station’s good yard is now in effect to facilitate traders operating at Benapole land port. Bangladesh Railway Director General Shamsuzzaman inaugurated the project on January 10.

A 630-meter connecting railway line will be constructed at the station at a cost of BDT 3 crore 60 lac. As a result, goods coming by rail from India can be loaded and unloaded in the port area making the operations of the traders more convenient.

DG Shamsuzzaman addressed the inaugural function as the chief guest while the General Manager of the Western Zone Mihir Kanti Guho presided over the event. Benapole Customs Commissioner Azizur Rahman, Port Deputy Director Abdul Jalil, Railway West Deputy General Manager Sahidul Islam, and Railway West Chief Engineer Masuduzzaman, were also present on the occasion as special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Shamsuzzaman said that a revenue of BDT 8,500 crore has come from railways in the last year. And in the last three months, Benapole Custom House Rail has received a revenue of Rs 300 crore from the import of goods. Thus, Benapole has the potential to be the world gateway of railways, urged the DG.

On that note, a 160 km speed train will be launched between Kolkata, Benapole, Dhaka, and Agartala, he further mentioned.

Benapole-Dhaka will operate multiple national and international standard trains, he said, adding that the government has already taken a far-reaching plan for world-class railways.

Furthermore, realizing the importance of Sharsha Upazila Sadar outside Benapole, the DG emphasized building a modern quality railway station there as the country is moving forward. And so must rail connectivity, he stated.