Government will introduce electric trains for the first time in Bangladesh on the 52km Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route, promising faster travel and lower costs.
<cite index="39-1,39-2">The government is set to introduce electric trains for the first time in Bangladesh on the 52km Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route. Titled "Implementation of Electric Traction Along Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur Section of Bangladesh Railway," the project will be placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Wednesday for approval.</cite>
<cite index="39-3,39-6,39-7">Of the project's Tk 3,823 crore cost, the Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank will provide Tk 2,880 crore in development assistance. Implementation is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2031.</cite>
<cite index="39-8,39-9">Bangladesh Railway currently uses diesel-electric traction. Official documents say the proposed electric system is roughly 40 percent more fuel-efficient and will allow significantly higher operating speeds.</cite>
The new electric trains will resemble the metro system trains already in use in Dhaka. This development marks a significant modernisation of Bangladesh Railway's infrastructure, improving connectivity for residents across the country including those from Rajshahi Division travelling to the capital.
The electrification project is expected to reduce travel time, lower operating costs, and provide more environmentally friendly railway transportation for passengers.