DHAKA-MAGURA RAIL PROJECTNot much progress in land acquisition: IMED

The railway project connecting Magura with Dhaka via the Padma Bridge is facing various challenges, including land acquisition delays.

Around 112 acres of land are needed to be acquired for constructing 11 kilometres of rail lines as part of the project. But, there has not been much progress on this front even in five years, says a detailed inspection report prepared by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED).

It says the land acquisition delay is the primary reason for the project’s slow progress.

The project has two packages – WD1 and WD2. Land acquisition is under WD1, which logged 27.7% physical progress and 27% financial progress till May this year.

Besides, the project’s cumulative physical progress was 40% and financial progress was 36.1% till May 2023, which was much less than the target, the IMED report said.  

Md Asadul Haque, chief engineer (west) of Bangladesh Railway and the project’s director, expressed doubts about completing the project on schedule, citing various complications, including unaddressed project costs.

“The project has slightly gathered pace, but concerns about the prices of materials and finishing on time remain,” he said.

The government in 2018 initiated the project titled “Construction of broad-gauge rail line from Madhukhali to Magura via Kamarkhali” to develop regional communication systems as well as expand trade. It involves the construction of 23.9km broad-gauge lines from Madukhali in Faridpur to Magura via Kamarkhali.

Other challenges facing the project include the need for additional funds. The Magura deputy commissioner was allocated Tk155 crore for land acquisition based on the project’s draft estimate.

Besides, the Faridpur deputy commissioner was allocated Tk40 crore for the same purpose as per the final estimate.

However, the project authorities now say an additional Tk40.3 crore is required for land acquisition in Faridpur.

The IMED report said progress also slowed due to increased construction material prices as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war. Constructing a bridge over the Chandana River also presents challenges that need urgent resolution.

The division provided recommendations for Bangladesh Railway, including expediting land acquisition, ensuring timely procurement of import materials, and resolving issues related to the bridge over the Chandana River.

It emphasised the importance of completing the project on schedule and advised to take effective measures based on survey results.

The report highlighted the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the project, including uncertainties and crises in the supply of goods. Transportation problems and changes in government instructions and rules, including the prolonged absence of officials and workers from the workplace and project site, affected the project’s progress as well.

The project’s cost was Tk1,202.49 crore when it was approved in 2018. The implementation period was from May 2018 to 30 April 2022. It was later extended to 30 April 2024 without increasing the costs.

The IMED report emphasised the need for special amendments to the development project proposal (DPP) to meet the additional costs of land acquisition.