10 more districts to get rail connectivity

The government plans to bring 10 more districts under the railway network as part of its efforts to expand nationwide rail connectivity, Railways, Road Transport and Bridges, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat, the minister said the initiative will extend rail services to several districts in the greater Dhaka region and the country's southern belt. The districts include Sherpur, Meherpur, Magura, Satkhira, Barishal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur and Lakshmipur.

He said the decision was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, where the progress of railway projects, connectivity and service improvements were reviewed. Several key decisions were taken to strengthen the country's transport network.

The minister noted that major projects, including the Akhaura-Sylhet and Sirajganj-Bogura rail links, are progressing, while a container depot project at Dhirashram has already been approved. Plans are also underway to convert missing metre-gauge sections between Tongi-Akhaura and Laksam-Sylhet into dual-gauge double lines.

He added that a Dhaka-Cumilla chord line has received policy approval, and necessary steps are being taken for its implementation.

Currently, 49 districts are connected to the railway network. The government aims to eventually bring all 64 districts under rail services in line with its election pledge.

The minister also said plans are being considered to introduce commuter train services on routes such as Dhaka-Manikganj and Dhaka-Narsingdi to improve daily connectivity and ease travel for commuters.

TZ