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Kamalapur Railway Station: A Gateway to Journeys in Bangladesh

Kamalapur Railway Station, officially known as Dhaka Central Railway Station, stands as a bustling gateway to the vibrant capital city of Dhaka. Nestled in the heart of the city, this vital transportation hub connects travellers to all major cities in Bangladesh. As the largest and busiest railway station in the country, Kamalapur serves as a crucial link, facilitating journeys both near and far. Its rich history, architectural significance, and constant activity make it an iconic landmark. With a unique design and historical roots, Kamalapur Railway Station weaves together the fabric of Bangladesh’s rail network. The station’s significance has increased following the opening of the Padma Bridge. Kamalapur Railway Station (KRS), steeped in history, stands as Dhaka’s historic gateway. Its iron-clad colonial-era architecture evokes memories of a bygone era, a bridge between past and present. But Kamalapur is more than just a transit point; it embodies the spirit of a nation on the move—a pulsating heartbeat that reverberates across Bangladesh. Kamalapur Railway Station stands as a vital link in Bangladesh’s transportation network, connecting people, cultures, and commerce. As trains arrive and depart, the passengers weave intricate stories etched into the very walls of this magnificent station. Here, hope mingles with anticipation, dreams find their rhythm, and reunions unfold. The station’s bustling platforms witness resilience—the quiet strength of travellers forging ahead despite life’s twists and turns. And within its echoing halls, new beginnings take root, fueled by the promise of distant horizons. Kamalapur Railway Station, standing tall against the passage of time, is a living testament to Bangladesh’s architectural ingenuity. It’s not merely a physical structure; it’s a gateway to aspirations, connections, and the beating heart of a nation. As passengers step onto its platforms, they become part of a grand narrative—a journey that transcends mere destinations and becomes an enduring legacy of rail travel in Bangladesh. Architectural Marvel Kamalapur Railway Station stands as a captivating blend of modernity and tradition. More than a mere transportation hub, it represents an architectural marvel that seamlessly connects the past with the present. Designed by the renowned American architects Daniel Dunham and Robert Boughey (Bob Buie) of Louis Berger and Consulting Engineers Ltd. in the 1960s, Kamalapur Railway Station serves as a symbolic gateway to Dhaka. Daniel Dunham, a young architect fresh from completing his studies at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD), took charge of Berger’s fledgling Dhaka office. His task was to tackle an extensive backlog of new projects. The station’s architecture draws inspiration from both modernist principles and traditional neo-Islamic influences, as well as Bengali styles. It stands as a testament to Dhaka’s modern architectural spirit. Architect Daniel Dunham skillfully blended modernist elements with traditional Bangladeshi architecture. The station’s most striking feature is its parabolic shell roof—a true engineering masterpiece. Stretching over the platforms, this roof provides shelter to passengers. The lattice-like concrete structure fosters openness and allows natural light to filter through, creating a welcoming ambiance.   Kamalapur Railway Station officially opened on May 1, 1968, during President Ayub Khan’s tenure. Its construction cost at the time was Taka 5 crores 30 lakh. When the value of one vori of gold stood at only 100 takas, A year after its inauguration, the Provincial Office of the Railway Postal Service found its new home within this remarkable station building. Design Features The station building is well-suited for tropical climates, providing protection from rainwater like an umbrella. It incorporates various functional spaces, including ticket booths, administrative offices, passenger lounges, waiting areas, and restrooms, all under an integrated canopy-based roof. The structure comprises 36 square domes supported by a total of 49 columns. Above these columns stands a roof featuring 36 slender concrete umbrella-type domes. Each column extends 59 feet high, branching out to support the roof. The open-air design capitalises on Dhaka’s cross breezes while safeguarding interior spaces from monsoon rains. The Kamlapur Railway Station’s thin concrete shell dome-umbrella design, completed by the consultants, has become a local icon, cherished by prominent architects as a cultural heritage piece. The parasol roof continues to define the station’s unique skyline. Architect Dunham immersed himself in Bangladeshi culture, learning Bengali and adapting to local craftsmanship and construction practices. Instead of designing an enclosed monolithic structure with mechanical heating and cooling systems, Dunham leveraged Dhaka’s tropical climate. His innovative roof system provides shade over the station’s offices and facilities, supported by a versatile field of columns. The construction technique involves thin concrete shells, which Dunham explored during his thesis at the GSD. After Dunham’s departure, architect Robert Boughey took over the post, designing tessellating concrete shells for the roof, reminiscent of pointed arches seen in Islamic architecture. These shells were cast on-site using reusable materials. Kamalapur Railway Station, with its remarkable parabolic shell roof, stands as an engineering marvel. This expansive structure spans the platforms, providing shelter to passengers. The station’s circular layout, boasting a diameter of 186 metres, centres around a soaring dome that reaches a height of 26 meters. Eight radial wings extend from the central hub, housing platforms, and tracks. The station’s architecture seamlessly blends modernist elements with traditional Bangladeshi motifs, reflecting the nation’s spirit. The concrete lattice structure allows natural light to filter through, creating an airy and open ambiance. High ceilings and spacious interiors enhance the feeling of grandeur. Kamalapur’s design prioritises functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Geometric patterns, arches, and intricate details evoke the essence of Bengali culture. As a testament to Bangladesh’s identity and heritage, Kamalapur Railway Station stands proudly. The station is an engineering marvel that spans the platforms, providing shelter to passengers. Additionally, in other parts of the country, the Sylhet Railway Station in the north-eastern region and the Chilahati International Rail Station in the north-western part also feature a similar umbrella-like structure. These stations use national flower-shaped “shapla” shells supported by a forest of columns to cover their facilities. Historical Context Bangladesh Railway has been operating in the British period since 1862 in the eastern and western parts of the country, divided by the great river