Bogura-Sirajganj Railway Project Faces Major Delays

Residents of northern Bangladesh, who stand to gain substantially from the direct rail link between Sirajganj and Bogura—slashing travel distance by 112 kilometers and cutting journey times by three hours—are increasingly alarmed as the original completion deadline has passed without visible progress.

With an estimated budget of Tk 5,579.7 crore, the project, financed through the Indian Line of Credit (LoC), was initially slated for completion by June 30, 2023. However, after consultants were appointed by Indian authorities on September 27, 2021, the final design approval did not arrive until June 30, 2023, causing further delays in construction commencement.

Originally proposed in 2005, the project underwent a feasibility study by the Asian Development Bank, and it received final approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council on October 30, 2018. Funding is a mix of contributions from Bangladesh and loans from India.

Despite the involvement of two consulting firms—Rights Limited and RV Associates Architects Engineering and Consultant Private Limited—progress has been hindered by ongoing land acquisition issues in both Bogura and Sirajganj. Recently, however, the Bogura Deputy Commissioner’s office has begun issuing section notices to landowners, marking a tentative step forward.

Project Director Monirul Islam Firozi remains optimistic, stating, “We expect to start construction soon after land acquisition is complete, aiming for completion by 2026.” He noted that significant strides have been made in the land acquisition process.

Once operational, the railway is set to transform the northern region’s transport landscape. “This new line will reduce travel between Dhaka and Bogura by approximately 112 kilometers, saving three to four hours per journey and cutting annual fuel costs by Tk 43.3 million,” Firozi explained.

In addition to improving connectivity, the railway is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region, facilitating business activities and opening new opportunities. “Bogura’s role as an industrial hub in northern Bangladesh will be enhanced,” he added.

The project will require a total of 960 acres of land—479.15 acres in Bogura and 460 acres in Sirajganj. However, compensation for landowners affected by the acquisition is still pending.

Nine New Stations Planned

The railway plan includes the construction of nine new stations: Shaheed M Monsur Ali, Raipur, Nalka Krisnadia, Raiganj, Chandaikona, Chhonka, Sherpur, Ariabazar, and Ranirhat. These stations are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and development.

For decades, residents of Bogura and neighboring districts have advocated for a direct railway connection to Sirajganj, seeking to reduce travel times and expenses. Currently, those traveling from Bogura to Dhaka must navigate a longer route through Santahar, Natore, and Pabna’s Ishwardi.

Land acquisition officer Md Abdul Wazed confirmed that the process is nearing completion. Bogura Deputy Commissioner Hosna Afroza has pledged to accelerate the project’s progress, stating, “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the timely construction of the railway.”

As the land acquisition phase approaches its conclusion, residents remain hopeful that the long-awaited Bogura-Sirajganj railway will soon come to fruition, unlocking new economic potential for the northern region of Bangladesh.