ECNEC Approves 12 Projects Worth BDT 1.68 Lakh Crore Including 3 Metro Lines & Electric Train

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) approved 12 major development projects involving an estimated cost of BDT 1,68,780.40 crore. Chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the meeting passed three mass rapid transit (MRT) metro rail projects and Bangladesh Railway’s maiden electric train initiative to revamp the national transport network.

Out of the 12 approved projects, seven are new while five are revised proposals. The total funding breakdown includes BDT 48,256.30 crore from government funds and BDT 1,20,466.39 crore through foreign project loans. Though initially only the MRT Line-5 (Southern) project was scheduled for the main agenda, revised cost and duration proposals for Japan-funded MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern) were also included for synchronized execution.

Detailed Cost Breakdown of Approved Metro Rail Projects: MRT Line-1 (Airport-Kamalapur): Financed by Japan (JICA), the 31.24 km underground and elevated rail project received approval for its 1st revised estimated budget of BDT 1,14,394.89 crore. MRT Line-5 Northern Route (Hemayetpur-Vatara): Also JICA-funded, the 20 km line's 1st revised project cost stands at BDT 89,848.36 crore. MRT Line-5 Southern Route (Gabtoli-Dasherkandi): Co-financed by ADB and South Korea, the 17.20 km project (including 13.10 km underground) was approved at an estimated cost of BDT 45,503 crore.

Electric Train Network for Bangladesh Railway:

The council greenlit the project titled "Implementation of Electric Traction Along Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur Section of Bangladesh Railway." This initiative will transition the country's busiest commuter rail corridor from traditional diesel locomotives to overhead electric traction systems. Under the 'Implementation of Electric Traction along Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur' project, this eco-friendly and modern train will be launched on a 52-kilometer-long route. The project costs a total of 38.2352 billion taka, with 9.42 billion taka funded by the government. The rest of the money will be provided as development assistance by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Other Major Projects Approved by ECNEC:

1. Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges (5): MRT Line-5 (Southern), MRT Line-5 (Northern 1st revision), MRT Line-1 (1st revision), Rajshahi Zone District Highway Upgradation, and Chittagong Zone District Highway Upgradation (Phase 3).

2. Ministry of Railways (2): Implementation of Electric Traction (Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur) and Construction of New Dual Gauge Railway from Bogura to Sirajganj (1st revision).

3. Ministry of Defence (2): Barishal Cantonment Establishment (Phase 2) and Naval Housing and Infrastructure Infrastructure in Khulna Naval Region.

4. Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Co-operatives (1): Khulna Sewerage System Development Project (1st revision).

5. Ministry of Labour and Employment (1): Improved Working Conditions and Social Protection for Workers in the Textile and Leather Sector.

6. Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (1): Upgradation and Expansion of Power Distribution System in Manpura Island (1st revision).

Additionally, 15 projects under BDT 50 crore previously approved by the Planning Minister were officially reported to ECNEC. These encompass Land Management Automation (2nd revision), BDRCS HQ Construction, Bhasan Char and Cox's Bazar Reforestation, Indigenous Chicken Research, Economic Zone Telecom Network, Replacement of Vulnerable Bailey Bridges, RDA Building Construction, Sylhet Well-10 Exploration Drilling, and various local stadium/educational upgrades.

The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; LGRD Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan; Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee; Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman; State Minister for Road Transport, Bridges & Railways Habibur Rashid; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit; State Minister for Health Sardar M A Muhit; and State Minister for Planning Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, alongside other senior officials.

//DBTech/MJU/NAP/MIST//