Govt approves non-stop 'Tanguar Express' on Dhaka-Sylhet route

Dhaka: The government has approved the introduction of a new non-stop intercity train, Tanguar Express, on Dhaka-Sylhet route to meet rising passenger demand, although the service will commence only after new rolling stock is added to the railway fleet.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam informed Parliament that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved one pair of non-stop intercity trains between Dhaka and Sylhet in response to a proposal raised by Sylhet lawmaker Emran Ahmed Chowdhury on July 15.

The Minister said, the launch is contingent on the procurement of additional locomotives and passenger coaches, as Bangladesh Railway currently faces a shortage of rolling stock.

To address the issue, the government is preparing a Development Project Proposal (DPP) to procure 200 meter-gauge passenger coaches. Another proposal, backed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), is awaiting approval to purchase 30 meter-gauge diesel-electric locomotives under the Railway Capability Enhancement Project.

Once these assets are delivered, the Tanguar Express will begin operations.

The Minister also clarified that broad-gauge trains cannot currently operate on the Dhaka-Sylhet route because it is a meter-gauge railway. He said, broad-gauge services would only be possible after the route is upgraded to dual-gauge or broad-gauge infrastructure.

He also outlined several other railway initiatives, including plans for a new intercity train on the Dhaka-Kurigram route after the arrival of new rolling stock, ongoing track and signaling upgrades between Khulna and Jashore, and the completion of a feasibility study for a dual-gauge double-track railway between Joydebpur, Mymensingh, and Jamalpur.