The government is set to introduce electric trains for the first time in Bangladesh on the 52km Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route.
Titled “Implementation of Electric Traction Along Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur Section of Bangladesh Railway,” the project will be placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Wednesday for approval.
Of the project’s Tk 3,823 crore cost, the Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank will provide Tk 2,880 crore in development assistance. Implementation is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2031.
Bangladesh Railway currently uses diesel-electric traction. Official documents say the proposed electric system is roughly 40 percent more fuel-efficient and will allow significantly higher operating speeds.
According to the proposal, the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur corridor is a vital transit link that could ease severe road congestion and traffic pressure between Dhaka and the industrial hubs of Gazipur and Narayanganj.
Old diesel-powered locomotives have prevented trains from reaching optimal speeds and running sufficient trips to meet commuter demand. Bangladesh Railway initiated the project to overcome these bottlenecks.
Once launched, thousands of daily commuters travelling between Gazipur, Dhaka, and Narayanganj will benefit from faster, more cost-effective and safer public transport, the proposal read.
Electric trains can accelerate and decelerate significantly faster than diesel locomotives, allowing them to reach maximum operating speeds more quickly and regain speed faster after station stops.
Under the initiative, train operations will shift entirely from diesel to electricity. Overhead catenary wires will be installed along the route, while specialised traction substations will be set up at strategic intervals to ensure a stable, uninterrupted power supply, according to the proposal.
Modern, eco-friendly electric multiple unit trains and electric locomotives will be deployed, along with a new computer-based automatic signalling system to ensure safe and seamless train movement.
The proposal says electric train operations will bring transformative changes to the economy and transport sector. Electric trains can accelerate and decelerate significantly faster than diesel locomotives, allowing them to reach maximum operating speeds more quickly and regain speed faster after station stops.
As a result, travel time on the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur section is expected to be cut by more than half.
BR currently operates diesel-powered trains across its 3,093km rail network.
Transport experts and BR officials said although the initial investment in electric trains is relatively high, their operating and maintenance costs are much lower. The system is also more reliable and environment-friendly.
Electric trains would cut operating costs by 35 percent and maintenance costs by 30 to 50 percent, while reducing carbon emissions by 20 to 30 percent, BR officials said.
Indian Railways had electrified 58,812km by March 31, 2023 which is about 90 percent of its 65,300km broad-gauge network, according to official data.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on September 9 said a feasibility study and detailed design for electric traction on the Chattogram-Dhaka corridor had been completed.
The detailed work plan and project schedule will be determined once funding is secured, with implementation subject to its availability, he said.
Once implemented, electric trains will operate on the Chattogram-Dhaka route, increasing average train speeds and reducing travel time, Tarique said in response to a query from MP Mohammed Enamul Hoque during the PM’s question-and-answer session in parliament.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/nganj-dhaka-joydebpur-route-electric-trains-the-cards-4272306
