ঢাকারবিবার , ৯ অগাস্ট ২০২৬
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a significant loan agreement with the Government of Bangladesh to finance the construction of the Dual Gauge Double Line Between Joydebpur and Ishwardi, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the country’s railway capacity and connectivity.
Under the agreement, JICA will provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of up to 92,077 million Japanese Yen, equivalent to approximately Tk 7,694 crore, to fund the construction phase of the project. The signing ceremony was held at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka.
The agreement was signed by Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division.
This marks the first tranche of construction financing for the project. Previously, in March 2023, a separate agreement was signed for engineering services. Bangladesh Railway has already completed the selection of engineering consultants, and detailed design work is set to begin shortly.
The 162-kilometer dual gauge double-line rail track will double the existing line between Joydebpur and Ishwardi. The project aims to boost the rail transport capacity, improve passenger and freight movement, and enhance regional connectivity. It is expected to play a key role in utilizing the full potential of the Jamuna Railway Bridge, another JICA-supported initiative.
Speaking at the event, Ichiguchi Tomohide remarked, “Today, we have agreed to implement a crucial project to enhance rail connectivity in Bangladesh. However, the main objective is to support the people of Bangladesh to advance toward prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable development. I hope our contribution will help the people of the country who are working very hard to create a better Bangladesh.”
Echoing his sentiments, Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky expressed gratitude to the people of Japan for their continued support and longstanding partnership in Bangladesh’s development efforts.
The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Dhaka and the western regions of the country, strengthen ties with neighboring countries, and contribute to Bangladesh’s broader economic growth and regional integration goals.
