A Promising Railway That Fails to Deliver
Once considered a key driver of economic growth, the Khulna-Mongla railway has not lived up to its initial expectations. This 91-kilometre rail line was designed to connect the country’s second-largest seaport with the national rail network, offering a more efficient and cost-effective route for transporting goods through Mongla Port. However, despite the substantial investment of Tk 4,261 crore, the project has struggled to fulfill its intended purpose.
The railway, which was inaugurated in 2023, was expected to transform trade and industry by facilitating faster movement of goods. Instead, it now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled potential. The Darshana Railway Station, once bustling with activity, is now quiet, and cross-border trade has come to a standstill.
Currently, the railway is only used for passenger services, while freight operations remain largely idle. According to railway sources, goods have been transported just three times since the line’s inauguration—on 6 February, 23 March, and 25 June of 2025. These trips carried approximately 19,000 metric tonnes from Chattogram to Sirajganj, but no freight movement has occurred since then.
Infrastructure That Remains Underutilized
The Khulna-Mongla railway was initiated in 2010 with foreign loan support and implemented by India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and IRCON International. It features a 5.13-kilometre railway bridge over the Rupsha River, the largest in the southwest, along with nine stations, 66 small bridges, and 246 culverts. On paper, the project had all the elements of a transformative initiative. In reality, locals and experts say it has fallen short of expectations.
Local residents expressed disappointment, stating that regular freight train services could have created jobs, spurred industrial growth, and strengthened the regional economy. Instead, they now see a costly piece of infrastructure sitting largely unused. Business owners share similar frustrations, pointing to a lack of coordination between Mongla Port and the railway as a key reason behind the stagnation.
“The infrastructure exists, but there is no effective coordination, so the potential remains untapped,” said Md Sajjadul Islam, Proprietor of Zain International. Several importers have also blamed operational limitations at Mongla Port, including limited capacity for large vessels, outdated cranes, inadequate storage and container facilities, and slow unloading operations, for discouraging freight movement by rail.
Efforts to Revive the Project
Despite these challenges, railway officials insist they are fully prepared to handle freight transport. “We have made all necessary preparations including rakes and engines. But due to the limited volume of goods at Mongla Port, we cannot yet run regular services,” said Farid Ahmed, Manager of Railway Western Zone. He added that the railway authorities are holding meetings with industrialists, exporters, and importers to promote the benefits of rail-based transport and attract more freight users.
Meanwhile, Mongla Port Authority Director (Traffic) Md Kamal Hossain mentioned that efforts are underway to modernize port facilities and expand terminals. “We are considering various incentives to encourage importers and boost port activities,” he said.
Broader Challenges and Expert Opinions
Experts argue that the project’s struggles reflect a broader issue: a lack of strategic coordination among key stakeholders. Economist Anwarul Qadir believes that the Khulna-Mongla railway had the potential to transform the Southwest’s economy if freight operations had started as planned. “This was a loan-funded project, and the interest burden is growing,” Prof Qadir warned. “To make it viable, the government must adopt a coordinated plan linking the port, railway, and commercial stakeholders. If regular freight movement begins, it could revitalise the entire southern economy,” Qadir added.
Potential for Future Growth
While the current state of the Khulna-Mongla railway is disappointing, there is still hope for its revival. With proper planning, coordination, and investment, the project could become a vital link in the region’s transportation network. The key lies in ensuring that all stakeholders work together to unlock the railway’s full potential.