Dhaka-Ctg connectivity: is bullet train the best solution?

The Dhaka-Chittagong corridor serves as a critical lifeline for Bangladesh, primarily due to Chittagong's role as the principal seaport handling most of the country's import and export activities. As Dhaka faces growing pressure from overpopulation and chronic traffic congestion, positioning Chittagong as the true commercial capital becomes inevitable. Therefore, establishing faster, more efficient commuting between these two cities is not just desirable -- it is imperative.

Despite the relatively short distance, air travel between Dhaka and Chittagong has gained unexpected popularity -- an indication of inefficiencies in current ground transportation. Train journeys take around five hours, and buses often face unpredictable delays. Although the government once explored a bullet train, the proposal was shelved due to high costs and impractical ticket pricing for the average traveler. A more pragmatic and economically sound solution lies in the long-discussed plan to connect Laksham with Narayanganj. This alignment could reduce the rail distance by approximately 90 kilometers. Furthermore, upgrading existing infrastructure -- completing double-lane tracks, reinforcing the railway bed with adequate stone ballast, and converting the meter-gauge line to broad-gauge -- could reduce journey time to roughly three hours. This will enable Bangladesh Railway to recover project costs easily due to shorter journey times and lower operating expenses, while keeping ticket prices unchanged. Moreover, it will allow an increase in daily train trips from the current two to four, resulting in better revenue opportunities for Bangladesh Railway.

Freight transport also deserves focus. A significant portion of the country's exports are produced in the Savar-Gazipur region, relying on costly and inefficient road transport for both raw materials and finished goods. Establishing a railway link to the seaport could cut transportation costs, improve delivery times, and reduce road-related risks -- while also easing traffic congestion on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway and enhancing overall efficiency. Instead of pursuing another expensive elevated expressway, smart upgrades to the existing highway -- such as adding service lanes and replacing U-turns with U-loops or underpasses -- can improve traffic flow and reduce commute time to 3-4 hours. The long-standing belief that bus operators oppose railway improvements can be addressed through mutual gains. With faster roads and railways, let them run more trips, lower fares, and attract more passengers.

Bangladesh must adopt a multimodal transport strategy, investing in rail and road where it matters most. Modernising the Dhaka-Chittagong corridor will strengthen logistics, promote decentralisation, and fuel economic growth. The time to act is now.

The writer is a senior banker and social altruist