Created an example of cost saving

Bangladesh Railway has set an example by completing the work with many times less than the estimated cost. It is known that the PD of this project is praised for working on the dual gauge single-line truck construction project from Dohazari to Ramu to Cox's Bazar and from Ramu to Gundam near Myanmar. Recently, this matter came to the attention of everyone during the indoor presentation of the Ministry in the presence of the Railway Secretary. It is known that in this project, the information of saving 668285.63 lakh rupees has come to the hands of the ministry.

According to the project sources, the estimated cost of the project is Tk 1803447.50 according to the first revised DPP for the construction of a dual gauge single-line truck from Dohazari to Ramu to Cox's Bazar and from Ramu to Gundam near Myanmar. However, due to the absence of development partners, the projected 2nd revised project was cut. For this, the fixed expenses are reduced from now on. But that left behind the issue of rehabilitation and land acquisition sector in Dohazari-Cox's Bazar section compared to the first revised DPP, about Tk 71002.38 lakh in the second revised DPP, about Tk 190221.02 lakh in the completion package, Tk 48407.61 lakh for CD VAT, and consultancy services. 4686.77 lakh rupees in the sector, 331.68 lakh rupees in the project management sector and 97824.59 lakh rupees in the contingency sector. All in all, Bangladesh Railway is going to save about 412474.06 lakh taka in the second revised DPP at this time.

Several sources related to the railways say that the government is saving so much money because of the honesty and love of the country of those involved in the project. Otherwise, there was ample opportunity to raise more demands at the expense of all the sectors that were saving money. Most importantly, the entire project from design to construction and operation has been done under the exclusive and close supervision of local engineers. Experts in the related sector believe that this has given a new dimension to the country's engineering capabilities.

It has been reported that the Second Revised Estimate cost is saving Rs 66885.63 lakh from the first revised estimate cost of the dual gauge single-line truck construction project from Dohazari to Ramu to Cox's Bazar and from Ramu to Gundam near Myanmar.

It is known that the project is at the very end. About 95 percent of the project has been completed. Trains are running commercially from December 2023 on the Dohazari Cox's Bazar route built under the project. Related sources say that currently, 3 pairs of trains run regularly on this route, but there is scope for operating 20 more pairs of trains.

Sources say that as a result of this train movement, new milestones are going to be added to the economic development of the country. Through the constructed railway, the goods of Matarbari port can be transported easily and at low cost. Which will have a huge positive impact on the country's economy.

The construction and various aspects of the project including cost savings were discussed with Project PD Subaktgin. He said that there is an opportunity to highlight this project as an iconic one for Bangladesh Railway. Here not only communication is considered important, but also tourist attraction and eco-balance are taken into consideration. We have paid special attention to ensuring that the eco-balance is not disturbed in any way during the railway construction. Several salt lakes and underpasses, overpasses have been constructed in this project to facilitate the movement of wild animals, especially elephants. Along with that, the safety of other animals has also been kept in mind. Along with this, massive afforestation initiatives have been taken on both sides of the railway line. He said that the station which has been built in Cox's Bazar has got the status of an iconic station in the history of the country. Many people come from far and wide just to see this railway station. Which has become something to enjoy after our work. When asked about cost savings, he said, it would be wrong to see it as a matter of a single person. Because he described himself as the 8th PD of the project, it was possible because everyone before it worked with sincerity and honesty. The sincerity of all stakeholders involved is involved here. But the biggest thing is that it has been done with the combination of our indigenous engineering and architecture. You can see this as a project of pride. It is to be noted that earlier Subaktgin was responsible for the PD of Akhaura Pakalp, saving Tk 1050 crore in that project as well.