Dhaka-Chattogram Electric Train Design Completed
The government has completed the feasibility study and detailed design for introducing electric train services on the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor. Implementation will depend on securing financing, while separate projects are also being prepared to increase railway capacity and reduce travel time.
In a Nutshell
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman confirmed in the Parliament on September 9th, 2026 that feasibility study and detailed design for electric trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram route have been completed.
- Implementation will begin after the required financing is secured.
- A chord line is also being planned to shorten the distance between Dhaka and Chattogram.
- Dual-gauge double-line projects are being prepared for Tongi-Akhaura and Laksam-Chattogram.
- The projects are expected to increase train speed and passenger capacity.
Context
The Dhaka-Chattogram railway corridor is one of the country’s most important transport routes, connecting the capital with its major port city and key commercial centre. The government is now pursuing several projects to improve the corridor rather than relying on a single upgrade.
The feasibility study and detailed design for electric traction have already been completed. A separate chord line is under study to reduce the distance between the two cities. Meanwhile, feasibility studies and detailed designs for dual-gauge double lines on the Tongi-Akhaura and Laksam-Chattogram sections have also been completed.
Why It Matters
Faster and more reliable rail travel specifically between Dhaka and Chattogram directly transforms commuting and commerce along the nation's primary economic artery. Moreover, increasing railway capacity on this specific heavy-traffic corridor significantly relieves chronic gridlock and pressure on highway transport. Finally, electric trains minimize diesel reliance on this high-volume route, curbing regional emissions depending on the energy mix used for generation.
What We Think
For the Dhaka-Chattogram corridor, transitioning to an electric train system represents a major leap toward modernizing high-density regional transit rather than just launching another locomotive fleet. However, while the government has delivered the technical groundwork, the initiative remains at the planning threshold.