Overview of the BR Laksham-Chattogram Dual Gauge Project
The Laksham-Chattogram section is a core eastern trunk line of Bangladesh Railway (BR), spanning roughly 115km between Dhaka's inland logistics network and Chattogram, the country's principal seaport gateway. The route currently operates as a single meter-gauge line (1,000mm), and the project aims to convert it into a double-track dual gauge corridor (1,676mm+1,000mm).
The investment is designed to enable direct broad-gauge services between Dhaka and Chattogram while substantially expanding freight capacity. As the final major rail upgrade on the Dhaka-Chattogram economic corridor, the project is viewed as a strategic step toward improving the competitiveness of Bangladesh's most important logistics axis.
Strategic Importance of the Route
| Section | Distance | Gauge | Status | Investment Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka-Tongi | 25km | Dual gauge (completed) | Double-track in service | $200M |
| Tongi-Bhairab | 58km | Dual gauge (completed) | Double-track in service | $400M |
| Bhairab-Laksham | 62km | Dual gauge (ongoing) | Under construction | $800M |
| Laksham-Chattogram | 115km | Meter gauge (single) | Current project | $1.8B |
| Total Dhaka-Chattogram | 260km | - | - | $3.2B |
Package Structure and Technology Comparison
Implementation Timeline
The Laksham-Chattogram dual gauge conversion is effectively the final rail infrastructure piece needed to complete the Dhaka-Chattogram economic corridor, and at roughly $1.8 billion it ranks among Bangladesh's largest railway investments. With freight transit time expected to fall from 18 hours to six, Korean firms can focus on export opportunities in ADB-financed ICB packages, especially signaling systems, rails, and bridge materials.