Bangladesh Railway has concluded a survey proposing the electrification of the Dhaka-Chittagong railway, estimating a cost of approximately Tk 9,170 crore for the 348-kilometer stretch from Narayanganj to Chittagong. The project includes installing overhead catenary, building workshops, and procuring electric engine-coaches. The survey outlines a phased approach: the commuter line (Gendaria-Dhaka-Joidevpur and Gendaria-Narayanganj) aims to be operational by 2028, while the Intercity Line (Tongi-Chittagong) is targeted for completion by 2032.
The project anticipates running various passenger and goods trains, with projected revenues from passenger fares and freight tariffs. The bulk of the investment is allocated to rolling stock procurement, followed by overhead catenary installation and workshop construction. If realized, the project could reduce train operating costs by 35%, travel time by 10-15%, and carbon emissions by 20-30%.