Bypass Railline Key to Direct Dhaka–Cox’s Link

The absence of a mere 2.5-kilometre bypass railline has become a major obstacle to direct train services between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. At present, trains travelling this route must reverse their engines and switch tracks at Chattogram station before proceeding to their destination, a process that wastes both time and operational efficiency for passengers and freight alike.

Although the Cox’s Bazar railway line was inaugurated on 1 December 2023, over three years have passed without the construction of the proposed bypass line. Initially conceived as a separate project, the bypass has since been incorporated into the larger Chattogram–Dohojari dual-gauge rail project, valued at approximately BDT 11,000 crore. Implementation of this dual-gauge project is expected to take around five years, meaning that until the bypass is completed, trains from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar will continue to reverse at Chattogram.

Construction of the 2.5-kilometre bypass between Pahartoli and Jhautola is essential for direct operations. Once built, trains will be able to use Pahartoli station and the marshalling yard to reach the Kalurghat Bridge without stopping to reverse engines, potentially saving roughly one hour of travel time.

According to Bangladesh Railway, the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar corridor is the network’s busiest and most profitable route, carrying 32 per cent of all passengers and 55 per cent of freight. Currently, two trains operate on the route: the Cox’s Bazar Express and the Parjatan Express. Travel time from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar is presently eight to nine hours; with a direct bypass in place, it is expected to reduce to seven to eight hours.

The Chattogram–Dohojari dual-gauge conversion, covering 52 kilometres, was scheduled to commence in July 2023 but was delayed due to funding uncertainties. On 22 December 2025, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement to support the project. The total project cost is BDT 10,797.86 crore, including ADB financing of USD 688 million (approximately BDT 8,405 crore), with the remaining funds provided by the government.

Mohammad Sabuktgeen, Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Railway’s Eastern Region, emphasised: “Direct Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar services are a top priority. The bypass project will commence immediately within the main project, with contractors required to adhere strictly to deadlines. Land acquisition issues will not arise, and the work can be completed within two years.”

Estimated Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar Travel Times

Completion of the bypass railline is widely expected to enhance efficiency, reduce journey times, and strengthen Bangladesh Railway’s most strategic and profitable corridor.