Bangladesh Proposes Monorail Network in Budget to Ease Dhaka's Traffic Congestion

The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Dhaka's transportation landscape by proposing the introduction of a monorail feeder network in the 2026-27 fiscal year's national budget, aiming to reduce chronic traffic congestion and improve urban mobility in the capital.

Presenting the proposed budget in the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced a series of initiatives designed to build an integrated, efficient, and environmentally sustainable public transport system for Dhaka and its surrounding areas.

A key feature of the proposal is the development of a monorail-based feeder network that would connect passengers from metro rail terminal stations to various destinations across the city. The initiative is expected to address the "last-mile connectivity" challenge by enabling commuters to travel more conveniently between residential, commercial, and transit hubs.

According to the finance minister, the government remains committed to establishing a comprehensive metro rail network comprising six Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines. Construction work on MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) is progressing, while planning and preparatory activities for MRT Line-5 (Southern Route), MRT Line-2, and MRT Line-4 are being accelerated.

The proposed monorail system is envisioned as a complementary transport solution that will enhance the effectiveness of the metro network by ensuring seamless passenger movement beyond major stations.

In addition to rail-based developments, the government has also proposed gradually replacing Dhaka's ageing bus fleet with environmentally friendly electric buses. The transition is part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and minimise noise pollution in one of the world's most densely populated cities.
 

The budget speech placed special emphasis on developing a safer and more inclusive public transport system, particularly one that is women-friendly and accessible to all segments of society. Authorities believe that expanding fully electric metro and bus services will contribute significantly to creating a cleaner and healthier urban environment in the long term.

Beyond Dhaka's urban transport initiatives, the proposed budget also outlines several large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the country's overall connectivity network.
 

Among the major projects highlighted are plans to expedite the construction of the Second Jamuna Bridge, advance work on the Dhaka-Chattogram Elevated Expressway, and implement several strategic infrastructure projects under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
 

The government says these initiatives are intended not only to ease transportation bottlenecks but also to stimulate economic growth, improve logistics efficiency, and support Bangladesh's expanding urban population.

If approved and implemented successfully, the proposed monorail feeder system could mark a significant milestone in Bangladesh's efforts to modernise its public transportation framework, offering Dhaka residents faster, safer, and more sustainable commuting options while addressing the city's longstanding traffic challenges.