Rampal Power Plant and Rupsha Rail Bridge have created possibilities to increase economic activities in the southern part of the country.
Taking the advantage of these two structures, businessmen of this region can boost their activities in goods transportation through the Khulna-Mongla railroad. Besides, electricity from Rampal Power Plant will be added to the national grid which will reduce ongoing load-shedding across the country.
According to the sources, Rampal Power Plant will produce 660 megawatts (MW) of electricity which initially will decrease the degree of load-shedding. Besides, the coal-based power plant will minimise the dependency on fuel oil.
On the other hand, using the goods transportation facility in Khulna-Mongla railroad, the rail-transport network between Mongla Port and the rest of the country, will be established, and the sea-port-based export-import will get new momentum.
During the recent visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, on September 6, the first unit of Rampal Power Plant and ongoing activities of the bridge over the Rupsha River have been presented before her.
Around $200 crore has been invested in the coal-fired Maitri Super Thermal Power project, having a capacity of 1,320 MW, to which India contributed $160 crore as a rebate loan.
Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Pvt) Limited Project Director Subhaschandra Pandey said after the two units of mega power plant begin, Rampal project will be one of the biggest power plants in Bangladesh.
Engineer Md Azharul Islam, managing director of West zone Power Distribution Company Limited, told Bangladesh Pratidin that if 660 MW of electricity produces at Rampal Power Plant, then it will cut load-shedding after connecting to the national grid.
Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director Mafizul Islam Tutul said, “Due to load-shedding, export-quality shrimp industry in this area is under crisis. Rampal Power Plant can solve this problem to a great extent, as well as make it possible to reduce the dependency on oil and gas.”
On the other hand, on the Khulna-Mangla railroad, 5.13 kilometres long Rupasha Bridge will connect Mongla port to other parts of the country, he added.
Economist Professor Anwarul Quadir said the completion of the Khulna-Mongla railroad project will usher in a new era for business development in the southern part of the country. Mongla Port will get new momentum and will lead the way to connect with Shiliguri of India through Panchagarh and Bangabandhu.
Mongla Port Chairman Rear Admiral Md Musa said, “The railroad of the project will reach the port and container-based railway facilities will be available here. So, it’ll encourage the businesses to use this port.”
@ This report appeared on the print and online version of Bangladesh Pratidin on Thursday (September 8) and has been rewritten in English by Lutful Hoque and Golam Rosul.
