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Govt plans to extend electric train network to Ctg

Published : Friday, 13 November, 2026 at 4:50 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

The government plans to extend its proposed electric train network to Chattogram after implementing a pilot project on the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur railway corridor, aiming to modernise rail transport, improve freight capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The pilot project, estimated to cost around Tk3,500 crore, has received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide most of the funding, while the government will cover domestic expenses, duties and VAT.

Bangladesh Railway Chief Planning Officer Md Rafiqul Islam said the government plans to introduce electric trains capable of running at speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour. The pilot project will involve importing 16 sets of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains.

The tendering process is expected to be completed by 2027, with major construction work scheduled to accelerate from mid-2028.

The Dhaka-Chattogram corridor is a major route for passenger and freight movement, connecting the capital with the country's principal seaport. Currently, around 60,000-70,000 TEUs of containers are transported annually by rail on the route, accounting for about three per cent of total container traffic.

The Dhirashram Inland Container Depot project aims to raise annual rail-based container transportation capacity to 450,000 TEUs, strengthening the railway's freight-handling capacity.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Railway is upgrading infrastructure, including additional railway lines between Dhaka and Tongi, a double line between Tongi and Joydebpur, and dual-gauge double lines on the Tongi-Akhaura and Laksam-Chattogram routes.

Rafiqul Islam said electric train services could reduce operating costs, travel time, carbon emissions and air pollution. The government considers the 140-kilometre-per-hour electric train system a more cost-effective alternative to bullet trains, which could require investment of Tk1.5 lakh crore to Tk2.5 lakh crore.

The Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur project is expected to lay the foundation for expanding electric rail services to Chattogram and strengthening the country's passenger and freight transportation network.

Source: BSS

-AH

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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