The Bangladesh government, on May 13, 2026, launched the 2,028.59 crore project, “Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Railway Tracks in Western Zone (1st Phase)” to cover over 500 km, including vital Dhaka-Rajshahi stretches such as Joydebpur-Ishwardi and Bheramara-Santahar. This 5-year project (to 2031), approved by ECNEC, focuses on designated speeds, safety upgrades and better passenger/freight services as the infrastructure ages.
Current vs. Future Travel Times Now (May 2026)
Dhaka-Rajshahi trains such as the Bonolota Express take between 4 hr 45 min and 7 hrs to cover the 343 km, with stops, while the Silk City Express takes about 6 hrs. Problems with the track cause delays of between 20% and 50% on weekends.
Post-Upgrade (2028+): Expect 4-4.5hr nonstop runs at 100-120km/h on rehabbed tracks, to rival buses. Phase 1: Bypasses for a smoother freight-passenger flow.
- Short term: small works disruption; long-term weekend trips save 1-2 hours.
- Upgrading Key Route Segments
- Joydebpur–Ibrahimabad (full rehab 21km).
- Ishwardi Bypass-Malonchi, Bheramara-Ishwardi.
- Santahar-Joypurhat-Parbatipur.
Abdulpur–Rajshahi Court 43.9km fully replaced, 500km regular maintenance—increasing capacity by 30%, reducing breakdowns by 40%.
Effect on Weekend Travellers
Padma resorts and Rajshahi silk markets become day trips. Saves Family BDT 1000+ vs buses (AC chair ~BDT800 one way). By 2027, new express schedules will be available, and you will be able to book through 16118 or the br.gov.bd app.
Sample Future Timetable:
| Train | Dhaka Dep | Rajshahi Arr | Fare (Shovon/AC) |
| Express | 8AM | 12:30PM | BDT 500/900 |
| Weekend | 2PM | 6:30PM | BDT 550/950 |
Travel and Booking Tips
- Advance booking 30 days, E-ticket 10% seats reserved.
- Fastest options now: Bonolota (direct, BDT 850 AC), Dhumketu overnight
- Alternate: Green Line bus (5hrs, BDT 700) until upgrades are done.
- Check br.gov.bd for diversions. Modernised platforms at Rajshahi station.
Wider Benefits
Increases freight (textiles, agriculture), reduces logistics costs 15%. Padma Bridge rail link matched; electric feasibility studies to be studied next. Rajshahi division has over 2M passengers annually – upgrade better handles Eid/puja rushes.
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Quick Weekend Planner:
- Trains Friday evening for shopping for silk Saturday.
- Back Sunday noon, add Rajshahi uni campus tours.
- Budget: BDT 2,000 round-trip AC + food.
- The Railway Ministry app can be used to track Phase 1 progress.
This makes Dhaka-Rajshahi the top corridor of Bangladesh. Enter your travel dates for precise train recommendations.
