The City We Built
Published: 12:00 AM, 17 September 2016
An architectural marvel in Dhaka
Kamalapur Railway Station
1. A heavily loaded Train in the time of Eid-ul-Azha 2. A Train Entering Kamlapur Railway Station
Kamalapur Railway Station is the central railway station in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The station is the largest in the country and the most important terminal for transportation between Dhaka and the rest of Bangladesh. It is also one of the most modern and striking buildings in Dhaka designed by American architect Robert Boughey. The railway station situated in the north-east side of Motijheel, was established in the early 1960s and started its operation from 1969.
There was only one railway station in Fulbaria. After the partition of Bengal, Dhaka became an important city and Kamalapur was selected for extension. Prior to the station being constructed, the land was a paddy field. At the beginning of the 1960s the station was built, and at that time it was one of the most important establishments in East Pakistan.
Kamalapur Railway Station reflects Robert Boughey's own way of style. The station is an architectural marvel, with a lotus-shaped shell structure covering functional buildings like an umbrella, thus unifying all various spaced beneath it. Boughey was one of the five American professors of architecture, who taught at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, when the university begun the program in 1962.The station contains 21 ticket counters, and local tickes can be bought from 20 ticket counters. Tickets are available to go to India. There are two vudas, one for first class, and the other for second class passengers. The station has eight platforms and there are two restaurants in front of the ticket counters. There are also fast food shops near the ticket counters.
When the station was built, it was maintained very carefully. However, slowly, it lost its previous condition. The station has many security guards, station masters, along with one station manager. Every day, thousands of people come through the station. The trains go to any part of Bangladesh, except Barisal and Patuakhali. There is also a train going direct to India from the station. The platforms are always populated. There are lots of police and guards outside the station to control the area. The station is sometimes used as a sleeping place for homeless people. Bangladesh railway ministry maintains this train station.
There was only one railway station in Fulbaria. After the partition of Bengal, Dhaka became an important city and Kamalapur was selected for extension. Prior to the station being constructed, the land was a paddy field. At the beginning of the 1960s the station was built, and at that time it was one of the most important establishments in East Pakistan.
Kamalapur Railway Station reflects Robert Boughey's own way of style. The station is an architectural marvel, with a lotus-shaped shell structure covering functional buildings like an umbrella, thus unifying all various spaced beneath it. Boughey was one of the five American professors of architecture, who taught at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, when the university begun the program in 1962.The station contains 21 ticket counters, and local tickes can be bought from 20 ticket counters. Tickets are available to go to India. There are two vudas, one for first class, and the other for second class passengers. The station has eight platforms and there are two restaurants in front of the ticket counters. There are also fast food shops near the ticket counters.
When the station was built, it was maintained very carefully. However, slowly, it lost its previous condition. The station has many security guards, station masters, along with one station manager. Every day, thousands of people come through the station. The trains go to any part of Bangladesh, except Barisal and Patuakhali. There is also a train going direct to India from the station. The platforms are always populated. There are lots of police and guards outside the station to control the area. The station is sometimes used as a sleeping place for homeless people. Bangladesh railway ministry maintains this train station.
