Bangladesh Approves Three Major Metro Rail Projects Worth Tk2.5 Trillion

Bangladesh, September 2026 — Bangladesh has approved a major expansion of its urban rail programme, with three metro projects receiving approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec). The decisions include a new southern extension and revised plans for two previously delayed projects.

The approved projects comprise MRT Line-1 between Airport and Kamalapur, the 20km MRT Line-5 Northern route between Hemayetpur and Bhatara, and the 17.20km MRT Line-5 Southern route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi. The southern project includes 13.10km of underground alignment and is estimated to cost Tk45,503 crore, with ADB and South Korea providing Tk30,306 crore in loans. Completion is targeted for August 2033.

The two Japanese-funded projects have undergone substantial cost revisions following delays and higher-than-expected tender prices. MRT Line-1, covering 31.24km, is now estimated at Tk114,394.89 crore, while MRT Line-5 Northern has been revised to Tk89,848.36 crore. Both projects experienced limited implementation progress after their original plans were approved in 2019.

Alongside the metro approvals, Ecnec also approved a Tk3,822.51 crore electric commuter train project linking Joydebpur, Dhaka and Narayanganj. The proposed trains will operate on conventional railway tracks at speeds of up to about 160km/h, with approximately 70% of the required dual-gauge track reportedly already completed.

The combined programme highlights Bangladesh's broader shift toward expanding rail-based urban and regional mobility. The simultaneous development of metro lines and higher-speed electric commuter services could create greater opportunities for network integration between dedicated urban rail systems and existing conventional railway infrastructure, subject to project delivery and financing conditions.

Source: The Business Standard