Govt plans to bring all districts under rail network with 4 new initiatives
Railway network now spans 3,428.09km of route and 4,826.097km of track as govt plans new lines and procures coaches and locomotives.
The government plans to gradually bring all districts under the railway network, with three connectivity projects already under implementation and four new initiatives planned to expand rail services.
Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam disclosed the plan in parliament today (9 September) in response to separate questions from Cox's Bazar-3 lawmaker Lutfor Rahman and reserved women's seat lawmaker Shamsunnahar Begum during the question-and-answer session.
The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
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According to the minister, Bangladesh's railway network currently has a total route length of 3,428.09km, comprising 1,591.43km of metre gauge, 1,066.60km of broad gauge and 770.06km of dual gauge.
The total track length is 4,826.097km, including 2,307.383km of metre gauge, 1,434.19km of broad gauge and 1,084.526km of dual gauge.
The minister said the government plans to connect all districts by rail in phases in line with its election manifesto and Bangladesh Railway's master plan.
Three rail expansion projects underway
Three railway connectivity initiatives are currently under implementation, the minister said.
These are the construction of a broad-gauge railway line from Madhukhali to Magura town via Kamarkhali; construction of a new dual-gauge railway line from Bogura to Sirajganj; and a feasibility study for railway connectivity to Sherpur and Roumari.
The feasibility study for a new broad-gauge railway line from Navaron to Bhomra land port via Satkhira has already been completed, while the Development Project Proposal (DPP) is under process.
The government has also taken four new initiatives to expand the rail network.
These are extending the railway line from Chowmuhani to Lakshmipur; extending the line from Jharhia Jhanjail to Durgapur in Netrokona; extending the line from Sylhet to Jaflong; and conducting a feasibility study for a chord line from Dhaka to Cumilla.
The minister said more projects would be undertaken gradually to expand railway connectivity to all districts.
Govt to procure 200 broad-gauge carriages
The government is also procuring 200 broad-gauge carriages to modernise railway services and make them more passenger-friendly.
The first batch of 19 carriages is expected to arrive by September 2026, the minister said.
At the same time, the DPP for procuring another 200 metre-gauge carriages is being prepared.
The government is also at various stages of procuring 60 metre-gauge and 46 broad-gauge locomotives.
Of the 60 metre-gauge locomotives, 30 are being procured with financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with bidding documents being finalised.
Another 30 metre-gauge locomotives, financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), are awaiting DPP approval.
Meanwhile, the Preliminary Development Project Proposal (PDPP) for procuring 46 broad-gauge locomotives with financing from Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) is under process.
Standing tickets remain amid seat shortage
Bangladesh Railway is issuing standing tickets for up to 25% of the total seats in non-air-conditioned coaches of intercity trains because passenger demand exceeds available seating, the minister said.
He said additional coaches are often attached to trains, but they still fail to meet demand. Some passengers also board trains in emergencies without prior plans.
To manage the situation, standing tickets equivalent to up to 25% of the total seats in non-air-conditioned coaches are being issued with the approval of the Ministry of Railways, he said.
The government is focusing on increasing the number of trains and coaches to ease overcrowding, particularly for women and children travelling long distances.
The minister said the proportion of standing tickets could gradually be reduced or abolished if more coaches and trains are added on high-demand routes and sufficient special trains are operated during Eid, Durga Puja and government holidays.
He said the procurement of new rolling stock would allow Bangladesh Railway to operate more trains, increase capacity and provide more modern, safe and comfortable services.
