Feasibility study, design completed for Chattogram-Dhaka electric train: PM

The government plans to introduce electric trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram route after securing the financing required to implement the project, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told Parliament today (9 September).

The feasibility study and detailed design for installing electric traction on the corridor have already been completed, he said.

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 3:30pm, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair.

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.

Feasibility studies and detailed designs for the Tongi-Akhaura and Laksam-Chattogram sections have already been completed.

The proposal for the Laksam-Chattogram Dual Gauge Double Line Development Project is being processed for approval, while preparation of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the Tongi-Akhaura section is nearing completion.

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.

The government is also planning a chord line between Dhaka and Cumilla to shorten the Dhaka-Chattogram route.

A feasibility study and detailed design for the proposed line are currently underway.

The project is expected to reduce the distance between Dhaka and Chattogram and raise average train speeds, allowing passengers to complete the journey in less time.

Tarique said the feasibility study and detailed design for electric traction on the Chattogram-Dhaka corridor had already been completed.

A detailed work plan and implementation schedule will be prepared after the necessary financing is secured.

The project will then be implemented subject to the availability of funds, he said.

Once completed, the electric traction system will enable electric trains to operate on the corridor, increasing average train speeds and reducing journey times.