ADB-backed rail project to enable direct Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar trains
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh today signed loan agreements amounting to $688 million to upgrade the 35-kilometre railway line from Chattogram to Dohazari.
Under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation–Chattogram–Dohazari Railway Project, a 2.5-kilometre bypass will also be constructed, allowing direct train services from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar without stopping at Chattogram station.
The project aims to improve seamless connectivity along the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox's Bazar corridor, enhancing transport efficiency and supporting economic growth.
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The agreements were signed at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) office in Dhaka by Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, and Hoe Yun Jeong, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh.
Jeong said the project would improve the resilience, reliability and efficiency of rail services between Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, encouraging a shift from road to rail transport. He added that it would stimulate economic activity along the corridor, particularly benefiting tourism and fisheries, while strengthening Bangladesh Railway's role as a regional transport and transshipment hub.
As part of the Trans-Asia Railway network, the corridor currently carries 32 percent of passenger traffic and 55 percent of freight. Key activities include track elevation, improved drainage, modern signalling, dual-gauging and procurement of 30 energy-efficient locomotives. The project will also upgrade three stations and enhance Bangladesh Railway's operational capacity through training.
