The long-anticipated Jamuna Rail Bridge, country's largest railway bridge, was officially inaugurated this morning, marking a major advancement in the nation's rail network.

The ceremony commenced at 10:00 am at Ibrahimabad Railway Station on the eastern side of the bridge, with Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam attending as the chief guest.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and the Director General of JICA’s South Asia Department were present as special guests, according to Project Director Al Fattah Masudur Rahman.

With the bridge now fully operational after successful trial runs, trains can travel at speeds of up to 120 km/h, significantly enhancing rail connectivity between Dhaka and the northwestern region.

The improved infrastructure is expected to substantially cut travel time and boost economic activity in the northwestern districts, which had long struggled with inadequate transport links.

Before the construction of the Jamuna Rail Bridge, the Jamuna River had left Sirajganj and surrounding areas largely disconnected.

Although the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, inaugurated in 1998, introduced road and rail connections, structural issues emerged by 2008, forcing trains to reduce speeds to just 20 km/h. This restriction affected nearly 38 trains daily, reducing efficiency and increasing travel delays.

BDST: 1259 HRS, March 18, 2025
MN/SMS