Feasibility Study Completed for Chattogram-Dhaka Electric Train: PM Tarique

🚂 Dhaka, Bangladesh — The feasibility study and detailed design for installing electric traction on the Chattogram-Dhaka railway corridor have already been completed, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told Parliament on 9 September 2026.

📊> The prime minister made the disclosure in a written reply to Chattogram-12 MP Enamul Haque during the question-answer session of the third session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The session began at 3:30 pm, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair.

🌏> Broader Plan: Reduce Travel Time and Distance

📊> The initiative is part of a broader government plan to reduce travel time and distance between Dhaka and Chattogram. Under the broader plan, the government is working to:

• 🚂 Convert the Dhaka-Chattogram railway route into a dual-gauge double-track line
• ⚡ Install electric traction on the corridor
• 🚂 Build a chord line between Dhaka and Cumilla to shorten the route

📊> Key Project Sections

📊> The dual-gauge double-track development involves two major sections:

• 🚂 Tongi-Akhaura section — feasibility study and detailed design completed; Development Project Proposal (DPP) nearing completion
• 🚂 Laksam-Chattogram section — feasibility study and detailed design completed; proposal being processed for approval

💬> Once implemented, the two projects are expected to increase Bangladesh Railway’s passenger-carrying capacity and train speeds along the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor, the prime minister said.

🚂 Dhaka-Cumilla Chord Line

📊> The government is also planning a chord line between Dhaka and Cumilla to shorten the Dhaka-Chattogram route. Key details:

• 📊 Feasibility study and detailed design currently underway
• 📊 Expected to reduce distance between Dhaka and Chattogram
• 📊 Raise average train speeds
• 📊 Allow passengers to complete journey in less time

⚡ Electric Traction Details

📊> Electric traction on the Chattogram-Dhaka corridor would involve:

• ⚡ Electrification of railway tracks — overhead catenary system
• 🚂 Electric locomotives — replacing diesel locomotives
• 📊 Higher speeds — electric trains can achieve higher operating speeds
• 🌿 Lower emissions — electric traction is more environmentally friendly
• 💰 Lower operating costs — electricity cheaper than diesel per km
• 📊 Reduced travel time — faster acceleration and braking

🌏> Strategic Context: Bangladesh Railway Modernization

📊> For Bangladesh’s transport infrastructure, the Dhaka-Chattogram electric train represents a major modernization milestone:

• 🚂 Current travel time: ~6-7 hours Dhaka to Chattogram
• 🚂 Target travel time: potentially 3-4 hours with electric traction + chord line
• 📊 Economic corridor: Dhaka-Chattogram is Bangladesh’s most important economic route
• 📊 Port connectivity: Chattogram Port handles 90%+ of Bangladesh’s container trade
• 📊 Passenger demand: millions travel this corridor annually
• 📊 Freight potential: electric trains can carry more freight faster

💰> Investment Implications

📊> The electric train and dual-gauge double-track projects represent significant infrastructure investment:

• 💰 Feasibility studies completed — ready for implementation phase
• 💰 DPP preparation underway — project approval imminent
• 💰 Funding required — likely to seek multilateral financing (ADB, JICA, World Bank)
• 📊 Implementation timeline — typically 5-7 years for railway electrification
• 📊 Export community benefit — faster Chattogram Port access for RMG/textile exports

📋> Broader Railway Development Context

📊> The Dhaka-Chattogram electric train is part of Bangladesh’s broader railway modernization:

• 🚂 Padma Bridge Rail Link — connecting Dhaka to southwest Bangladesh
• 🚂 Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar railway — connecting to tourism hub
• 🚂 Trans-Asian Railway — Bangladesh as regional connectivity hub
• 🚂 Metro Rail Dhaka — urban transit system
• 🚂 Dual-gauge conversion — standardizing track gauge

✅> For Bangladesh’s broader economic strategy, the Dhaka-Chattogram electric train and dual-gauge double-track projects represent critical infrastructure investments that could significantly reduce logistics costs, improve port connectivity, and enhance the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s export economy. With feasibility studies and detailed designs completed, the projects are now ready for the implementation phase — pending funding approval and project finalization.

🌏> For the export community — particularly RMG, textile, and pharmaceutical manufacturers who rely on Chattogram Port for shipping — faster and more efficient railway connectivity between Dhaka and Chattogram could reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain reliability, and strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a competitive export destination. The electric train, combined with the chord line and dual-gauge double-track, could transform the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor into a modern, high-speed economic artery that supports the country’s growing export volumes in the post-LDC graduation era.