Dohazari to Cox's Bazar Railway Line

A

catalyst

for

national

connectivity,

social

development

and

economic

growth

Dohazari to Cox's Bazar Railway Line, Bangladesh

Dohazari to Cox's Bazar railway line is a proposed 120km dual-gauge passenger line in Bangladesh. SMEC, in a joint venture with CANARAIL and Systra, provided consultancy services including feasibility study, detailed design and tendering services.

Challenge

Review of the feasibility study, detailed engineering design & drawings, technical specifications and tender documents.
Preparation of Construction Contract Documents including detailed design and construction supervision for the new rail line which will contain 39 bridges, 144 culverts and 183 water crossings.
The scope includes construction of 10.02 million cubic meters of railway embankment including subgrade, sand blanket and backfilling.

Solutions

Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar railway includes provisions for future extensions and capacity enhancement of the line. The alignment and right of way are designed in such a way that future double-tracking of the railway line is possible.
Stations will be equipped with relay batteries, generator rooms, sewage and waste management facilities, and energy-saving features such as solar panels. They will also feature separate facilities for women, children, elderly and the disabled.
The project proposes Bangladesh’s first Elephant crossing. The Asian Elephant is classified as an endangered species and a special investigation along the alignment found 20 crossing areas.
Locomotives have been equipped with thermal imaging cameras which enable drivers to detect the heat signature of an elephant 1,000m ahead.
A dedicated social and resettlement team from the client worked closely with NGO’s to ensure rehabilitation and resettlement of communities impacted by the alignment.

Location

Bangladesh

Client

Bangladesh Railway

Rail & Metro Stations and TOD Bridges Civil & Structural Engineering Construction Phase Services Project Management Rail systems

Impact

The new railway will improve socio-economic conditions for people living in the rural areas whilst meeting rising demand for passengers and freight transportation services.
The essential for making railway connectivity with the famous tourist spot Cox’s Bazar with the view to cater to more tourists in Cox’s Bazar and to improve the socio-economic condition of local people.
The project helps Bangladesh to meet its targets under its 7th Five-Year plan and its railway master plan, which aim to raise the country’s freight market share to 15% and its passenger market share to 10%.