Bangladesh launches Tk2,028cr railway rehabilitation project

The government has undertaken a Tk2,028.59 crore project to rehabilitate and modernise critical railway infrastructure in the western zone of Bangladesh Railway to ensure safer train operations, improve passenger and freight services and strengthen regional rail connectivity.

The project, titled “Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Railway Tracks in the Western Zone of Bangladesh Railway (1st Phase)”, was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council on Wednesday and will be fully financed from government funds.

According to Planning Commission officials, the Ministry of Railways will implement the project over a five-year period through Bangladesh Railway, with completion scheduled by February 2031.

Officials said the western railway zone currently includes more than 1,930 route kilometres and handles a large volume of passenger and freight movement connecting northern and southern regions with the capital. However, many railway lines still rely on ageing rails installed decades ago, resulting in growing operational risks.

Authorities noted that several sections of the rail network have experienced increasing deterioration, including rail cracks, welding failures and damaged sleepers, forcing railway officials to impose speed restrictions in many areas.

Under the project, over 21 kilometres of railway track from Bhabanipur to MGMCL will undergo maintenance and rehabilitation, while more than 500 kilometres of rail lines will receive routine maintenance work. Another 43.9 kilometres of track will be fully rehabilitated to improve safety and operational reliability.

Priority sections under the first phase include major railway corridors such as Joydebpur–Ibrahimabad, Ishwardi Bypass–Malonchi, Santahar–Joypurhat, Birampur–Parbatipur and Abdulpur–Rajshahi Court.

The project area covers several districts in Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions, including Pabna, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Dinajpur and Kushtia.

Planning Commission official SM Shakil Akhter described the initiative as timely and important for modernising the western rail network.

Officials also said the project would strengthen regional rail connectivity with neighbouring countries, particularly India, Nepal and Bhutan, by improving freight movement through major land ports such as Benapole Land Port, Darshana, Rohanpur, Birol and Chilahati.

The railway rehabilitation initiative is also expected to support broader regional connectivity frameworks, including BIMSTEC, SAARC and the BBIN Initiative.