The Government of Bangladesh has signed a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the construction of a dual gauge double railway line between Joydebpur and Ishwardi.
The agreement was signed on Friday at the NEC-2 conference room of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Agargaon, Dhaka. The information was disclosed through a press release issued by the Press Information Department on Saturday.
JICA’s Chief Representative in Bangladesh, Ichiguchi Tomohide, and ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.
Under the agreement, Japan will provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan worth approximately Tk 7,694 crore for the project.
Once implemented, the 162-kilometre dual gauge double line will significantly enhance rail connectivity and transportation capacity between Dhaka and the western regions of Bangladesh. The project will also help fully realize the potential of the Jamuna Railway Bridge.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, JICA’s Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh’s inclusive and sustainable development.
In response, Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky expressed gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their unwavering support to Bangladesh.