Dhaka:The government has initiated a Taka 2,769.86 crore project aimed at acquiring 30 new meter-gauge diesel-electric locomotives for Bangladesh Railway. This effort is focused on replacing outdated engines, enhancing train services, and accommodating the increasing demand for both passenger and freight transport.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the "Railway Capacity Expansion Project" will be funded with Taka 811.38 crore from the government and Taka 1,958.48 crore in project loans from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, approved the project during a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The Ministry of Railways will oversee the implementation of the project through Bangladesh Railway from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029. State Minister for Planning Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki indicated that additional locomotives and carriages would be acquired in phases to further improve services. He highlighted a significant shortage of locomotives, particularly meter-gauge ones, and expressed the government's intent to address this gap while progressively transforming the railway network.
Currently, Bangladesh Railway operates with 292 locomotives, comprising 164 meter-gauge and 128 broad-gauge. Of these, 115 meter-gauge locomotives have surpassed their 20-year economic lifespan, and 62 are over 40 years old. A senior Planning Commission official noted the high maintenance costs and difficulties in sourcing spare parts for these ageing locomotives, which result in prolonged downtime and diminished operational reliability.
The procurement of 30 new locomotives is intended to meet the rising demand for intercity passenger and freight services, especially on busy meter-gauge routes. The project will also facilitate technical training for railway personnel, with manufacturer-appointed experts conducting local training and providing technical support.
The Planning Commission's master plan envisions converting meter-gauge lines to dual-gauge by 2040, but delays in this process mean meter-gauge trains may remain in service until 2055-60, thus necessitating the procurement of new locomotives.
The project will cover several key railway areas across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Cox's Bazar. It aims to reduce train travel time and operating costs, increase transport capacity, and potentially alleviate pressure on road transport.
Initially estimated at Taka 2,827.69 crore, the project's cost was reduced by Taka 57.83 crore following recommendations from a Project Evaluation Committee meeting. The initiative aligns with the election manifesto's goals of enhancing railway connectivity and reinforcing the railway as a central component of the national transport system.