Bangladesh plans Tk90,000cr elevated Dhaka-Cumilla rail line, cutting travel time by two hours
Bangladesh Railway is planning to construct a 90-kilometre Dhaka-Cumilla chord line at an estimated cost of Tk 75,000 crore to Tk 90,000 crore, which could reduce the Dhaka-Chattogram railway distance by around 80 kilometres and cut journey time by up to two hours.
The proposed railway line is expected to shorten the existing 320-kilometre Dhaka-Chattogram route to approximately 240 kilometres, reducing travel time from five to six and a half hours to around three to three and a half hours.
Two construction options are under consideration: 65 kilometres of elevated railway and 25 kilometres underground at an estimated cost of Tk 75,000 crore, or the entire 90-kilometre route as an elevated railway at a cost of Tk 90,000 crore.
Bangladesh Railway Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Md. Rafiqul Islam said the final project cost would depend on the construction method selected.
Although the fully elevated option would cost an additional Tk 15,000 crore, it could reduce land acquisition requirements by approximately 333 acres.
He said both proposals had been placed before the Prime Minister, with the fully elevated option receiving greater priority at the preliminary stage.
The concerned minister has also expressed support for this option, considering the importance of protecting scarce land resources.
According to Rafiqul Islam, land has long-term economic value, as its acquisition for railway construction could restrict its future use for agriculture, housing and other activities.
The feasibility study of the project has already been completed, while design work is underway.
Md. Abidur Rahman, Project Director of Bangladesh Railway's Railway Connectivity Improvement Preparatory Facility (RCIPF) project, said reducing the lengthy detour in the existing railway network was one of the main objectives of the proposed cord line.
The planned route will connect Dhaka with Cumilla through Fatullah, Shyampur and Narayanganj, crossing the Shitalakkhya River.
The elevated section may extend from Dhaka to the Gomti area of Daudkandi, although the precise alignment will be determined after final design and approval.
At present, trains travelling from Dhaka to Chattogram cover around 320 kilometres via Tongi, Bhairab and Akhaura.
The proposed connection could reduce the distance to approximately 240 kilometres, saving one-and-a-half to two hours.
Abidur Rahman said the journey from Dhaka to Cumilla could take around 40 to 50 minutes through the new connection.
However, actual travel times will depend on the final alignment, train speeds, stations and operational arrangements.
The proposed line will have no level crossings. Underpasses and overpasses may be constructed where necessary to ensure uninterrupted train movement, improve operational efficiency and reduce accident risks.
The new connection could also ease pressure on the existing railway corridor between Tongi and Kamalapur by providing an alternative route through Narayanganj.
Besides improving passenger connectivity, the project is expected to facilitate trade and economic activities in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Daudkandi and Cumilla.
It could also benefit import and export transportation by providing a shorter route for freight trains operating between Chattogram Port, the capital and other regions.
Reduced travel distances could help lower transportation time and operational costs and improve supply chain efficiency.
Bangladesh Railway is considering financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and possible investment through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Rafiqul Islam said the ADB had expressed interest in financing the project, while the EIB and several other organisations might also show interest. However, no final financing agreement has been reached.
He said the final design would be prepared after a decision on the construction method, followed by proposals seeking financial assistance from potential development partners.
Meanwhile, Abidur Rahman said several steps, including land acquisition, preparation of the Development Project Proposal (DPP), securing financing and obtaining administrative approvals, must be completed before construction begins.
The project is still at the preparatory and design stage, and its implementation will depend on finalising the construction method, arranging funds and completing the necessary approvals.
Once implemented, the Dhaka-Cumilla chord line could significantly improve railway connectivity, shorten Dhaka-Chattogram journeys, ease pressure on existing routes and strengthen passenger and freight transportation across the country.
