Bangladesh is about to transform its railway infrastructure through an ambitious project. This initiative aims to modernize the train system by converting much of the railway network to electric traction. This change will enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve the passenger experience. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports this project with $225 million in financing.

Overview of the Electric Train Line Project

The project director announced that “the new type of train line will be constructed on the existing railway tracks,” with a catenary cable installed overhead. The detailed design for the project is “66% complete.” The team has submitted the first interim report and inception report, and they are now working on the second interim report.

Contract and Feasibility Study

In July 2023, Bangladesh Railway signed a contract with TUMAS, a Turkish engineering and consulting firm. TUMAS will conduct the feasibility study and prepare a detailed design at a cost of “$524,050,” fully funded by the Bangladesh government. The company began work on the design in August 2023.

The feasibility study covers “348.16 km of tracks,” including “336.89 km on the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Chattogram section” and “11.27 km on the Tongi-Joydebpur section.” The ADB will also provide technical assistance and financial support throughout the project’s development.

Project Goals and Timeline

The main goal of the project is to convert “348.16 km of track with 70 stations to an electric traction system by 2032.” Operations will begin in 2033. The proposed system will feature two types of lines: main and commuter, allowing trains to run at “120 km,” which can be upgraded later.

Additionally, the study proposes “two workshops – one at Pahartali and another at Joydebpur.” The project aims to be environmentally friendly, with “limited negative effects during the construction period.”

Phased Implementation Plan

According to the project director, Bangladesh Railway plans to implement the project in four phases:

• Phase 1: The team expects to finalize tendering in 2026, aiming to “start electric commuter operations by 2028.”
• Phase 2: They plan to schedule tendering for 2030, with main-line electric traction operations beginning in 2033.
• Phase 3A: The team will complete tendering in 2026, adding new rolling stock for commuter services by 2028.
• Phase 3B: In this final phase, the team will set tendering for 2030 and introduce new rolling stock for main line operations by 2033.

Economic and Financial Analysis

The feasibility study shows that passengers and train users will benefit from the new system. It will provide “time savings, reduced pressure on road transport, fuel consumption, and environmental impact.”

Reports indicate that the commuter line (Joydebpur-Narayanganj) is expected to yield an “economic return of 24%,” while the main line (Narayanganj-Dhaka-Chattogram) is estimated to return “41%.” Additionally, the Bangladesh Railway will gain financially, with an estimated return of “15% for the commuter line and 25% for the main line.”

The feasibility report highlights the project’s economic and financial benefits for Bangladesh and the railway sector. It predicts “an increase in freight traffic, a high rate of return on capital, reduced pressure on road transport, improved transport mobility, fuel savings, a greener transportation system, decreased running costs, increased average speed, and compatibility with the Trans-Asian railway network.”

Source: The Business Standard