The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a BDT107.97 billion (USD967.7 million) project for transforming the Chattogram-Dohazari meter gauge railway track into a dual gauge in Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Railways, through Bangladesh Railway, is set to execute the conversion of the Chattogram-Dohazari meter gauge rail line into dual gauge by June 2028, utilizing a BDT 70.85 billion (USD635 million) loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The objective of the initiative is to guarantee secure, rapid, and continuous rail connectivity linking the tourist destination of Cox’s Bazar with Chattogram. Key project activities encompass converting a track span of 80.76 km into dual gauge, implementing computer-based interlocking signal and interlocking systems, refurbishing three station buildings, and renovating 14 station buildings. Additionally, the project involves the reconstruction of 20 major bridges and 68 minor bridges, the establishment of three rail overpasses, and the acquisition of 30-m gauge diesel-electric locomotives.