Rail Expansion Planned for 16 Unconnected Districts

The government is implementing a long-term plan to bring all 64 districts of Bangladesh under the national railway network through new rail lines, route extensions and supporting infrastructure development.

Officials said the ongoing and proposed projects, once completed, will gradually extend rail connectivity to every district in the country.

According to Bangladesh Railway, 48 districts are currently connected to the national rail network, while 16 districts still lack railway services. As part of the first phase, the government plans to connect 10 rail-deprived districts, with the remaining six to be included in later stages.

The first phase prioritises Sherpur, Meherpur, Magura, Satkhira, Barishal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur and Lakshmipur, where feasibility studies and preliminary surveys are already underway.

The second phase is expected to extend railway services to Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Bhola, Netrakona and Manikganj.

Among the planned projects, the proposed railway line from Navaron in Jashore to Satkhira has made the most progress. The feasibility study has been completed, and the project is awaiting approval.

Bangladesh Railway is also working on plans to extend the Madhukhali–Magura railway line, construct a new line from Choumuhani in Noakhali to Lakshmipur, and establish a railway connection from Sherpur to the Nakugaon land port.

In the Barishal region, preliminary work has begun on a proposed 205-kilometre railway from Bhanga to Barishal, Patuakhali, Payra Port and Kuakata. The estimated cost of the project is around Tk 44,000 crore.

Railway officials cautioned that no timeline has yet been set for launching train services in the new districts, as feasibility studies, project approval, financing and land acquisition are expected to take several years.

Bangladesh Railway Additional Director General (Infrastructure) Al Fattah Md Masudur Rahman said work is progressing according to the railway expansion plan, with most projects currently at the feasibility study stage. Once the studies are completed, projects will be implemented in phases.

According to Bangladesh Railway, more than 400 passenger and freight trains currently operate every day. Around 100 million passengers travel by rail annually, while approximately 10 million tonnes of goods are transported each year.

Officials expect passenger and freight capacity to increase significantly as more districts are connected to the railway network.

The Ministry of Railways is also reviewing the 2016–2045 Railway Master Plan, with the possibility of extending its implementation period. Alongside constructing new rail lines, the government is preparing an integrated plan to procure locomotives, coaches and other infrastructure to ensure passenger services begin as soon as new routes become operational.

State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid Habib said the government aims to transform the country's transport system by gradually bringing all 64 districts under the national railway network.