On the busy commuter railway lines in Dhaka, diesel trains have long been responsible for heavy passenger transport tasks. Bangladesh has launched the Narayanganjeda Kachoyidebur Corridor Electrification Project, with a total investment of approximately 310 million US dollars. It plans to purchase 16 electric multiple units and build the country's first main electrified railway.

Project funding planning

The total investment of the project is approximately 38.2251 billion taka, equivalent to 310 million US dollars. The funds are divided into government owned funds and external loans, with the Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank participating in the financing. The total length of the line is 52.32 kilometers, with 186 kilometers of overhead contact system to be laid, 2 new traction substations to be built, and a supporting central control system and high-speed train maintenance workshop to be constructed. The project period is from July 2026 to June 2031, waiting for ECNEC approval before starting construction. Keywords: Bangladesh Railway, Electrification Renovation

Upgrade and empower transportation capabilities

This corridor is the busiest railway channel in Bangladesh. After electrification, the travel time can be reduced by up to 18%, and the operation and maintenance costs can be reduced by about 35%. It can increase the number of train trips and improve passenger carrying capacity. The project will reduce the dependence of railways on diesel locomotives, and gradually promote the electrification transformation of other main lines across the country based on this.Editor/Min Jing