Future of Travel: Bangladesh Unveils Major Rail and Road Development Plans
Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced significant plans for Bangladesh’s transport system. He confirmed that freight train services are active between Bangladesh and India. The government is also working to restart passenger train services with the neighboring country.
Each month, about 43 freight trains arrive from India. Around 42 empty trains are sent back. These trains use key interchange stations like Rohanpur, Darshana, and Benapole. The Minister added that officials are now studying a passenger train route from Rajshahi to Kolkata and back.
The government aims to connect all districts of Bangladesh to the railway network. This goal is part of the Election Manifesto-2026 and the Railway Master Plan. Minister Rabiul Alam said the current government is actively working towards this target.
Currently, four projects are expanding the Bangladesh Railway network. These include a broad-gauge line from Madhukhali to Magura city. Another project is a new dual-gauge line from Bogura to Sirajganj. A feasibility study is also underway for Sherpur-Roumari railway connectivity. Finally, a chord line is being built from Dhaka to Cumilla.
The Minister also mentioned plans for future railway extensions. Feasibility studies will explore three new lines. These include extending the railway from Chowmuhani to Lakshmipur in Noakhali. Another study will look at extending the line from Jharhia Jhanjail to Durgapur in Netrakona. The third study will examine extending the railway line from Sylhet to Jaflong.
Mr. Rabiul Alam, who also serves as the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, discussed road development. He said 95 road development projects are ongoing this year. These projects have a budget of Tk 15,851.08 crore. This money comes from the Annual Development Programme.
During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, significant road improvements were made. About 55 kilometers of highways became four lanes. Another 81 kilometers of new flexible roads were built. Also, 59 kilometers of rigid roads were constructed. Roads were widened for 259.53 kilometers. Strengthening work covered 158 kilometers of roads. About 258 kilometers of highways were resurfaced.
Infrastructure construction also progressed. A total of 58 bridges were built, measuring 4,588 meters in length. Workers constructed 214 culverts, totaling 1,152 meters. One 700-meter flyover was completed. An overpass of 42 meters and two underpasses of 21.35 meters were also built.
