TDS Desk:

Despite India’s failure to disburse funds, the long-stranded project worth nearly Tk10,000 crore, for constructing Bogura-Sirajganj dual-gauge railway link is finally showing signs of revival after years.

Recently, the government has allocated Tk1,900 crore, prompting the formal launch of the land acquisition process. At the same time, the country is exploring alternative sources of funding as it is hardly possible to complete such a big project without grants from the foreign countries.

According to the project officials, Bangladesh is currently in talks with China, Japan, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), and the China Development Bank to secure alternative financing.  Among these, JICA has already initiated a feasibility study.

The railway project was approved by ECNEC in 2018 with an initial estimated cost of Tk5,579 crore. But as India failed to provide funding on time, both the budget and timeline of the project kept increasing. At present, the projected cost has surged to Tk10,000 crore.

It is now evident that the project timeline will be extended further—along with a rise in expenditure. This is because the current deadline for completing the entire work is set for June 2026, which includes major tasks such as land acquisition, tender invitation, construction, and final commissioning. Completing all of this within 2026 is unlikely.

Sources said the project was initially planned to be implemented under a Line of Credit (LOC) worth (Indian Rupee) INR4,400 crore from India’s Exim Bank. However, a major hurdle emerged due to India’s condition that only Indian firms could participate in the bidding process. However, with no disbursement or tangible progress over the past five years, Bangladesh formally submitted a letter to cancel the LOC.

The project will require the acquisition of 960 acres of land—479 acres in Bogura and 481 acres in Sirajganj. Notices have been issued under the 2017 Land Acquisition Act, and the process of disbursing compensation is underway.

Md Mehedi Hasan, the Land Acquisition Officer in Bogura, confirmed that 479 acres will be acquired in the district following final verification. The project plans to build nine new railway stations—four in Bogura and five in Sirajganj. Additionally, two major junctions will be established at Ranirhat and Sirajganj to enhance and expand future rail connectivity throughout northern Bangladesh.

The railway authorities stated that the new route will significantly transform connectivity for eight northern districts of the country. Currently, trains must travel a longer route via Rajshahi or Ishwardi. Once operational, it will shorten the distance between Bogura and Dhaka via Sirajganj by around 112 kilometers, reducing both travel time and costs while improving overall connectivity and trade flow.

The line is expected to enhance transport efficiency and unlock new markets for agricultural products. Experts estimated that the project could increase industrial growth potential by 30–40% and raise regional economic productivity by 4–5%.

Project Director Monirul Islam Firozi stated that the initial fund allocated would be used to pay landowners’ compensation. He said that if completed, this project will be more than a railway—it will serve as an economic lifeline for the northern region.

When asked, Monirul said discussions are underway with multiple potential foreign financiers. Letters have been sent to several countries and organisations, and some have already expressed their interest.