Jamuna Rail Bridge

Transforming

connectivity

across

the

heart

of

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is delivering one of the most significant transport investment programs in its history, transporting regional connectivity, supporting economic growth and enhancing mobility across the country.

In the 2024–25 Bangladesh national budget, the transport and communication sector received the highest share of the Annual Development Program, accounting for 26.67% of total allocation. This significant investment underscores the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen transport corridors, enhance mobility and support economic growth across Bangladesh.

Despite this investment, the country’s rail network continues to face capacity constraints, particularly across the Jamuna River, where a single mixed-use bridge has long limited speed, capacity and reliability for both freight and passenger services. Recognising the need for a modern, high-capacity rail connection, the Government of Bangladesh initiated the Jamuna Rail Bridge Project to provide a dedicated crossing designed to accommodate the country’s growing freight and passenger demand, reduce travel times and improve logistical efficiency.

The project forms a critical component of Bangladesh’s broader rail modernisation project, which aims to upgrade key corridors, expand network capacity, and integrate regional trade routes, reinforcing the nation’s position as a growing economic and transport hub in South Asia (Business Standard, 2023).

Location

Bangladesh

Client

Bangladesh Railway

Partners

Oriental Consultants Global, Chodai, DDC, ACE Consultants Ltd

Year

2016 – 2025

Expertise

Freight Rail Roads, Highways & Bridges Geotechnical Investigations

4.8

dual-gauge double-track structure

total track length

100

years lifespan

Transforming the national rail corridor

The Jamuna Rail Bridge is a landmark infrastructure project that will create Bangladesh’s first dual-gauge, double-track railway bridge, spanning 4.8 km across the Jamuna River. Located approximately 300 m upstream of the existing Jamuna Rail Bridge, the new bridge is designed to separate rail operations from road traffic entirely, allowing the older Jamuna Rail Bridge to continue serving vehicles.

The existing Jamuna Rail Bridge, completed in 1998, carries both road and rail traffic. Originally designed for four highway lanes and a single metre-gauge rail line, it was later modified to accommodate dual-gauge trains under strict speed and load restrictions. With increasing rail traffic, these limitations have created significant bottlenecks, highlighting the need for a dedicated rail solution.

Funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the new Jamuna bridge will support train speeds of up to 120 km per hour (broad gauge) and 100km per hour (metre gauge). It forms a critical section of Bangladesh’s main east–west corridor, connecting industrial centres, ports and inland freight routes.

The Jamuna Rail Bridge marks a turning point for Bangladesh’s transport future. By delivering a faster and more reliable rail connection across the Jamuna River, this project strengthens trade, enhances mobility and sets new standards for sustainable infrastructure in the region.

— Abu Jafar, General Manager Railway, SMEC

Delivering complex engineering with confidence

SMEC, together with ACE Consultants Ltd, as subconsultant to Oriental Consultants Global, Chodai, and DDC, is delivering the detailed design, geotechnical investigations and construction supervision services. Our multidisciplinary team ensures that structural, geotechnical and environmental elements are fully integrated across approximately 30 km of track, including approach alignments and supporting infrastructure.

The bridge design utilises weathering steel for the bridge trusses, providing enhanced corrosion resistance and reducing long-term maintenance requirements in Bangladesh’s humid climate. Comprehensive geotechnical investigations and design studies have been undertaken to adapt the bridge foundations to the Jamuna River’s challenging hydraulic conditions, including flood and sediment movement.

Connecting communities, strengthening economies

Once operational, the Jamuna Rail Bridge will reduce river-crossing time from 20 minutes to approximately 3 minutes, while accommodating up to 88 trains daily. Designed for a 100-year lifespan, the bridge will remain a cornerstone of national connectivity for generations. Beyond its engineering achievements, it stands as a symbol of progress, connecting people, communities and markets across Bangladesh and the wider region.