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The government has taken the initiative to launch an electric train service for the first time in Bangladesh on the 52-kilometer long Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route. The related project, ‘Introduction of Electric Traction on Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur Section’, will be presented for approval at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting next Wednesday.
The estimated cost of the project is BDT 3,823 crore (approximately USD 324 million). Of this, BDT 2,880 crore (approximately USD 244 million) will be received as development assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The project is targeted for completion by June 30, 2031.
Currently, Bangladesh Railway’s trains primarily operate with diesel-powered engines. The project proposal states that the introduction of electric trains will reduce fuel costs by approximately 40%. Additionally, train speed will increase, and travel time will significantly decrease.
This route can play a crucial role in improving connectivity between Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj. Presently, due to old diesel-powered engines, trains cannot operate at their desired speeds. Consequently, it is not possible to run enough trips to meet passenger demand.
Considering this situation, an initiative has been taken to convert the railway line to electric traction. It is hoped that once the project is implemented, thousands of daily commuters in Gazipur, Dhaka, and Narayanganj will benefit from fast, affordable, and safe public transportation.
How the Railway Will Be Electrified
Under the project, the train operating system on the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route will be converted from diesel to electricity. For this, ‘overhead wires’ or electric cables will be installed above the railway lines. Traction substations will be constructed at specific distances to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
Furthermore, Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains, electric locomotives, and a computer-based automatic signaling system will be installed for safe and smooth train operations.
The project proposal states that electric trains can accelerate and decelerate faster than diesel-powered trains. This means trains will be able to reach maximum speed shortly after departing from a station. As a result, travel time on the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route could be more than halved.
Currently, diesel-powered trains operate across Bangladesh Railway’s approximately 3,093-kilometer rail network. According to relevant officials, while the initial investment for electric trains is higher, the long-term operating and maintenance costs will be lower. Moreover, electric trains are comparatively more reliable and environmentally friendly.
Officials state that the introduction of electric trains could reduce operating costs by approximately 35% and maintenance costs by 30% to 50%. Concurrently, an opportunity will be created to reduce carbon emissions by 20% to 30%.
The report cites data from Indian Railways as an example. As of March 31, 2023, approximately 90% (58,812 kilometers) of India’s 65,300-kilometer broad gauge rail network has been electrified.
Electric Train Plan for Dhaka-Chattogram Route Also
In addition to the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route, the government also plans to launch electric trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram route.
On September 9, during a question-and-answer session in the National Parliament, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the feasibility study and detailed design work for introducing electric traction on the Dhaka-Chattogram route have already been completed.
In response to a question from Member of Parliament Mohammad Enamul Haque, the Prime Minister said that a detailed action plan and implementation schedule for the project would be determined once funding is secured. Once implemented, electric trains will operate on the Dhaka-Chattogram route as well, increasing the average speed of trains and reducing travel time.