Bangladesh Railway has long served as a lifeline for the nation, but slow speeds and limited expansion have held it back. With growing population and economic activity, the pressure for faster, more reliable rail services is rising. This is why the nation is now turning toward electrification and high-speed projects, setting the stage for a modern transformation.

 

That transformation is already visible through projects currently underway. The Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar rail line is opening up the southern tourism hub, while the Padma Bridge rail link is directly connecting the southwest with Dhaka. Alongside, the Jamuna rail project is strengthening north–south links. Together, these projects are creating the backbone for a stronger railway network.

 

Building on that backbone, several ongoing works are pushing forward regional improvements. The Dhaka–Joydebpur–Tongi expansion is easing congestion around the capital, while the Kulaura–Shahbazpur line is being revived to boost cross-border trade. At the same time, the Sirajganj–Bogra line is extending access to northern districts. Each project adds another piece to the puzzle, expanding the network step by step.

 

Looking further ahead, even bigger projects are on the horizon. The Dhaka Circular Railway has already drawn interest from international partners, while the Dedicated Freight Corridor promises to move goods faster and reduce highway pressure. On top of that, electrification of the Dhaka–Chattogram line and a high-speed train project—designed for speeds up to 300 km/h—show how Bangladesh is preparing for a railway system that matches global standards.

 

At the heart of these future plans lies the Narayanganj–Dhaka–Chattogram electrification project. Covering 348 km with 70 stations at a cost of $782 million, it is scheduled to begin operations in 2033. A shorter 11.27 km Tongi–Joydebpur section, supported by the Asian Development Bank, is expected to be ready by 2028. With partners from Turkey, Korea, and beyond, Bangladesh is moving toward a true railway revolution—one that will make travel faster, trade smoother, and national connectivity stronger than ever before.