, Nov. 8 -- Once hailed as a gateway to economic transformation, the long-awaited Khulna-Mongla railway now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promise.

The 91-kilometre line, built to connect the country's second seaport with the national rail network, was seen as a game changer for trade and industry. Yet, one and a half years on, the dream remains unfulfilled.

Constructed at a cost of Tk 4,261 crore, the project was designed to provide a faster and more cost-effective route for transporting import and export goods through Mongla Port. Despite the impressive infrastructure, the line has so far failed to deliver on its economic promise.

Darshana Railway Station falls silent as cross-border trade grinds to a halt

At present, the railway...