About Expertise Projects Responsibility Insights Careers

A globally connected workforce of specialists, operating out of more
than 40 countries

From the early pioneers on the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, to our leaders and innovators of today, our people make us who we are.

We align specialist expertise to deliver effective, practical and sustainable outcomes

Through our network of global specialists and by collaborating with local partners, we connect you with the best teams and capabilities to deliver highly innovative and sustainable solutions.

We're committed to positively impact the individuals and communities we work with

As an organisation we are continually evaluating ways we can better provide a safe, flexible, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people and clients.

Join an inclusive workplace rich in diverse thinking

People are at the heart of our organisation, we strive to create a flexible, diverse and inclusive environment that enables our people to thrive to their fullest potential.

Explore career opportunities
Asia
Azerbaijan Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Macau Malaysia Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Philippines Qatar Singapore Sri Lanka Tajikistan Timor-Leste Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam
Africa
Angola Botswana Ethiopia Ghana Kenya Lesotho Liberia Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nigeria Rwanda Seychelles Sierra Leone South Africa South Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe
Australasia
Australia Fiji Kiribati New Zealand Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Vanuatu
South America
Chile
SPA ENG
Europe United Kingdom
Global
News
Transforming
Connectivity:
Dhaka–Western
Bangladesh
Dual
Gauge
Rail
Deal
Signed
April 8, 2026
Bangladesh Railway has taken a significant step in modernising the country’s transport network with the signing of a consulting services contract for the 174 km Dual Gauge Double Line Between Joydebpur-Ishurdi Section Project in Bangladesh.

Funded by a JICA Yen Loan, the project will be delivered through Joint Venture led by Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., in partnership with SMEC, CHODAI, JIC, DDC, and ACE Consultants Ltd. Once completed, this landmark initiative will enhance Dhaka’s connectivity to western Bangladesh, reduce congestion, enable high-speed passenger services and introduced broad gauge container trains for the first time in the nation’s history.

 

Bangladesh’s rail sector is under increasing pressure from rapid growth in both passenger and freight rail demand with approximately 350 trains operating daily, transporting about 80-90 million passengers annually (The Financial Express, 2024). To address growing demand and modernise the network, the government is actively expanding the rail system with a strong focus on efficient, modern transport solutions, has accelerated investment in rail.

Location

Bangladesh

Client

Bangladesh Railway

Year

2025 – ongoing

Expertise
Rail & Metro

 

Bangladesh dual gauge contract signing

The Joydebpur-Ishurdi section is a critical part of the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) network and with significantly increases capacity on a corridor that currently accommodates 36-38 trains per day, far exceeding its existing track capacity of 25 trains (JICA, 2022).

This upgrade will ease congestion, support freight expansion, improve service reliability and advance connectivity with the broader regional integration efforts of SAARC, SASEC, BIMSTEC, and BCIM. By shifting towards dual gauge capacity and expanding high-speed and freight handling capabilities, the project positions Bangladesh for enhanced regional connectivity and long-term economic growth.

Bangladesh contract signing

The project involves design, construction supervision, and implementation support for 162 km of dual gauge double-track railway, including civil works, bridges, and track upgrades, alongside installations of advanced signalling and telecommunication systems. SMEC and its Joint Venture partners will contribute multidisciplinary expertise across engineering, environmental, and social domains to ensure delivery of a robust and future-ready rail corridor.

The key benefits include:

  • Reduce travel time of up to 2 hours and 50 minutes on major routes.
  • Expanded network capacity, enabling more frequent and reliable train services.
  • Introduction of broad-gauge container trains in Bangladesh for the first time, improving freight and logistics efficiency.
  • Strengthen the vital Dhaka–Ishurdi corridor, enhancing regional integration and creating new opportunities for improved trade and connectivity.
The Dual Gauge Double Line Between Joydebpur-Ishurdi Section Project will unlock a faster, safer, and more efficient railway network for Bangladesh. By removing bottlenecks and boosting capacity, we aim to support both national growth and regional connectivity in the years ahead.
— Mohammed Mofizur Rahman – General Manager, Projects

Bangladesh dual guage rail contract signing

The initiative is strongly aligned with Bangladesh’s sustainability agenda encouraging a shift from road to rail, reducing carbon emissions, and decreasing reliance on heavy truck freight. By advancing greener, safer and more efficient transport networks, the project not only supports the country’s wider climate resilience goals but also underpins its broader national development priorities. Beyond these transport outcomes, the corridor is expected to deliver socio-economic benefits through improved accessibility, trade growth, and job creation across the region.

As implementation progresses, SMEC and its partners remain committed to providing world-class engineering expertise and sustainable solutions. This collaboration with Bangladesh Railway and international partners reflects a shared vision for a modern, inclusive, and future-ready transport system that will transform mobility and strengthen Bangladesh’s long-term economic growth.

Recent
updates

View all