The Bangladesh Railway is expanding the scope of its feasibility study on the implementation of electric trains, proposing to include two new sections spanning an additional 17.4 kilometres. Initially, the study covered the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Chattogram corridor and the Tongi-Joydebpur section, totalling 348 kilometres. With the proposed extensions, the study will cover the Chittagong Goods Port Yard (CGPY)-Faujdarhat and Pubail-Dhirashram sections, increasing the total length to 365.56 kilometres.

Railway sources said the additional sections include 10.2 kilometres from CGPY to Faujdarhat and 4.2 kilometres from Pubail to Dhirashram. This expansion aligns with Bangladesh Railway’s long-term strategy to electrify its network for increased efficiency and environmental benefits.

Project Director Md Habibur Rahman told the Daily Sun, “We have proposed extending the project’s duration and scope to include these new sections. The proposal has been sent to the Railway Ministry for review and approval. Currently, 73% of the project’s work has been completed.”

Initially planned to start in November 2021, the feasibility study and detailed design project faced delays and formally began in July 2023. The original budget was set at Tk15 crore, but due to the extended scope, the cost is now proposed to increase by Tk4.47 crore, reaching Tk19.53 crore – a 29.66% hike. Additionally, the project’s timeline has been extended to 30 June 2025.

The inclusion of these two sections is critical for Bangladesh Railway’s future operations. A new inland container depot (ICD) is under construction in Dhirashram, equipped to handle higher container traffic between Chattogram and Dhaka. Electrification of the CGPY-Faujdarhat and Pubail-Dhirashram sections will facilitate seamless container movement, boosting operational efficiency and reducing transit time.

According to project plans, the electrification will involve the establishment of overhead catenary systems and substations, increasing the number of electric stations to 72 from 70.

The electrification project aims to enhance freight capacity and reduce operational costs, fuel consumption and carbon emissions. It is expected to alleviate pressure on road transport, improving Bangladesh’s overall transportation dynamics. Moreover, it will significantly reduce the government’s reliance on subsidies for railway operations by increasing revenue and operational efficiency.

Md Hadiuzzaman, a transport expert and professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, emphasised the need for meticulous planning and said, “While electric traction offers significant benefits in terms of reduced operating and maintenance costs, the feasibility study must address critical preparatory factors. This includes identifying power sources, establishing workshops and training technical personnel. These aspects should be specified in the study.”

As per the Railway Master Plan, electrification is planned for various key sections, including Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur, Tongi-Chattogram, Joydebpur-Ishwardi-Khulna, Akhaura-Sylhet and Ishwardi-Parbatipur. The Narayanganj-Dhaka-Chattogram and Tongi-Joydebpur sections were prioritised due to high traffic demand.

Turkish consultancy firm Tumas is conducting the study, which will also evaluate the project’s technical, economic, financial, environmental and social viability.