Project Profile: Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Railway Line

The Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Railway is a strategic infrastructure asset establishing a 102 km dual-gauge corridor to integrate the key tourist hub of Cox’s Bazar into the national grid and the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) network. This project leverages advanced civil engineering to navigate challenging geography, catalyzing economic growth and enhancing regional trade connectivity for Bangladesh. Its completion marks a significant milestone in the country’s transportation and development agenda.

Technical Specifications

A core technical feature of the project is its dual-gauge track system, a strategic decision ensuring full interoperability with both Bangladesh’s existing meter-gauge network and the broad-gauge lines used in neighboring India. This design future-proofs the corridor for its role in the Trans-Asian Railway network. The line’s construction involved significant civil engineering works to overcome the region’s challenging riverine and hilly terrain. This included the construction of 39 major bridges and 144 culverts, totaling 183 water crossings, all designed to withstand the region’s monsoon climate. The nine new stations along the route, including the iconic oyster-shaped Cox’s Bazar terminal, are equipped with modern signaling, telecommunication systems, and sustainable features like rooftop solar panels.

Key Takeaways

• Regional Connectivity Catalyst: The line is a critical node in the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) corridor, physically linking Bangladesh to the Trans-Asian Railway and setting the stage for future extensions to the Myanmar border and the Matarbari deep-sea port.
• Economic and Tourism Driver: By providing a safe, reliable, and fast connection to the nation’s premier tourist destination, the railway directly stimulates the tourism sector. It also lowers logistics costs for agriculture and other industries in southeastern Bangladesh, fostering broad-based economic growth.
• Advanced Engineering Showcase: The successful implementation of a dual-gauge system across difficult terrain, including extensive bridgework and the construction of a landmark terminal, demonstrates Bangladesh’s capacity to execute complex, large-scale infrastructure projects to international standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Cox’s Bazar train service start?

Passenger services on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar railway line were inaugurated in late 2023. The line is now fully operational, providing a direct, modern rail link between the port city of Chittagong and the tourist destination of Cox’s Bazar, significantly reducing travel time.

Who built the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar railway?

The construction was a collaborative effort involving international and local engineering firms. The project was divided into two lots, executed by joint ventures of China Railway Engineering Group (CREC) with Bangladesh’s Toma Group, and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) with Max Group. The project was primarily financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh.