Bangladesh has officially begun work on its first high-speed rail corridor connecting Dhaka and Chittagong. The $12 billion project, supported by Japanese and Chinese investment, aims to reduce travel time between the two major cities to 90 minutes.
The high-speed train, modeled after Japan’s Shinkansen technology, will run at speeds up to 250 km/h. Officials say construction will be completed by 2030, generating employment for over 30,000 workers.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the project will boost trade and tourism, positioning Bangladesh as a regional transport hub. The development aligns with broader South Asian connectivity projects linking Nepal, Bhutan, and India through integrated rail systems.
Regional experts believe the corridor could enhance cross-border trade efficiency and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the subcontinent.
