Durgapur Set to Join National Rail Network

A century-old dream is finally nearing reality as Netrokona’s Durgapur Upazila prepares to be connected to the national rail network. After 110 years of anticipation, the prospect of rail connectivity alongside existing road routes has sparked a wave of celebration across the upazila, with locals describing the atmosphere as equivalent to an early Eid celebration.

In response to long-standing public demand and to improve the quality of life in the region, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal is scheduled to visit the area today, Wednesday (May 13), to inspect the proposed expansion of the rail line from Jaria-Jhanjail to Durgapur. He will be accompanied by the Minister of State for Railways Habibur Rashid, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Md. Fahimul Islam, and the Director General of Bangladesh Railways Md. Afzal Hossain.

The expansion of the railway was a key pledge in the election manifesto for the Netrokona-1 (Durgapur-Kalmakanda) constituency during the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The swift initiative to fulfill this promise has resonated deeply with the residents of Durgapur. Local citizens believe that connecting Durgapur to the Jaria-Jhanjail line will act as a landmark catalyst for economic development, the spread of education, the flourishing of tourism, and rapid industrialization throughout the Netrokona region.

Expressing his joy, veteran cultural personality Bireswar Chakraborty remarked that he never imagined witnessing such an initiative in his lifetime, noting that the project would bring radical changes to the area. Indigenous leader Anjan Chicham added that the news has created a festive mood among indigenous communities, as the rail link is expected to generate thousands of jobs.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ahmed Sadat, who joined the station only three days ago, expressed his excitement at receiving such monumental news so early in his tenure. He noted that once the railway is operational, Durgapur will emerge as a new economic hub, fulfilling a generational aspiration for the people of the region.