Railway line to be extended from Sylhet to Jaflong: Ariful
Ariful says tourists travel from across the country to visit the area, the absence of a railway connection between Sylhet and Jaflong causes significant inconvenience to visitors.
Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury today (1 August) said the government plans to extend the railway line from Dhaka to Jaflong via Sylhet.
"The proposed railway expansion is part of a broader initiative to develop Jaflong, Tamabil, and the surrounding areas into a major tourism hub. Alongside the railway, an improved road communication network will also be developed," he said.
The minister was talking to journalists at the Jaflong tourist spot as he led a high-level government delegation to visit Jaflong, Tamabil, and the adjacent areas to assess the proposed development, said an official handout.
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During the visit, the minister held discussions with the concerned officials on various measures needed to promote the tourism industry in the region.
Ariful said tourists travel from across the country to visit the area. However, the absence of a railway connection between Sylhet and Jaflong, inadequate road infrastructure, and the lack of quality accommodation facilities cause significant inconvenience to visitors, he added.
A feasibility study will be conducted soon, after which the necessary steps will be taken to implement the project to construct a 47-kilometre new railway line between Sylhet and Jaflong.
Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam, Labour and Employment Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafder, Road Transport and Highways Secretary Dr. Mohammed Ziaul Haque and Bangladesh Railway Director General Md. Afzal Hossain and other senior government officials were present.
