Play store
A modern carriage workshop of Bangladesh Railway will be built on about 105 acres of railway land in Rajbari, Railway Secretary Md Fahimul Islam has said.
He made the announcement on Friday after inspecting Shahid Khushi Railway Maidan, Azadi Maidan, the loco shed and Rajbari Railway Station. He also planted a tree at the Loco Shed Martyrs’ Memorial.
Fahimul Islam said the feasibility study for the proposed carriage workshop has already been completed, and a stakeholder meeting was held in 2023. The project has been included among the government’s priorities, and efforts are underway to find investors.
He said discussions have already been held with Chinese investors, including during Prime Minister’s recent visit to China. The project could move forward once an investor is secured.
The secretary said accommodation for workers would also be required alongside the workshop, which would need additional railway land. He stressed that railway land could not be allocated hastily because it may be needed for major future projects.
He said Rajbari has numerous railway installations and large areas of railway land and is widely known as a railway town because of its long railway heritage.
On the proposed development of Shahid Khushi Railway Maidan, Fahimul said the railway has submitted a proposal to develop the ground while maintaining railway requirements and conditions.
He also highlighted the need for a dedicated space for cultural activities in Rajbari. A plan and architectural design have already been prepared for a proposed cultural complex, although the design may need revision depending on the availability of land.
Regarding Rajbari Railway Station, he said a proposal has been made to reorient the station towards the south. The proposed design is modern and suitable for high-speed trains, but the station would require remodelling.
As such, he said a separate development project would be needed to modernise the station, as the work cannot be financed from the revenue budget.
District Commissioner Afroza Parveen and officials from the railway, district administration and municipality, along with local BNP leaders and activists, were present during the inspection.