Bangladesh moves toward first electric railway on Dhaka commuter corridor

Bangladesh is moving toward its first railway electrification project, with plans to modernize the 50-kilometer Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur commuter corridor and replace diesel-powered trains with electric rolling stock.

The project, backed by the European Union, European Investment Bank, and Asian Development Bank under the Global Gateway initiative, is expected to more than triple daily passenger capacity from 232,000 to over 845,000 journeys.

Daily train services are projected to rise from 65 to 235, with trains operating at 15-minute intervals during peak hours. Officials expect the shift to electric trains to reduce carbon emissions, noise, and air pollution across greater Dhaka.

Representatives from the Ministry of Railways, Bangladesh Railway, development partners, academics, and other stakeholders took part in a consultation on the proposal. The project is intended to expand capacity and provide cleaner, more frequent commuter service.