Unused Railway Land May Power Bangladesh’s Green Energy Shift

Bangladesh Railway is planning to utilize its unused and dispute-free land to generate solar power, aiming to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals while creating new revenue streams.

Officials said efforts are underway to identify large, contiguous plots of land preferably at least 10 acres to attract private investors. Experts note that solar projects require significant space, with roughly three acres needed to produce one megawatt of electricity, making larger land parcels more commercially viable.

The initiative was recently discussed at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, where potential investors presented proposals and feasibility ideas. Once suitable land is identified, investors will conduct site inspections, focusing on factors such as proximity to the national grid, which plays a crucial role in project efficiency and profitability.

According to railway data, the organization owns over 60,000 acres of land, of which a significant portion remains unused or under illegal occupation. Authorities believe this initiative could help unlock economic value from idle assets.
 

Experts have welcomed the move, saying it could ease land scarcity for solar projects and boost clean energy production. However, they also cautioned about ensuring transparency, proper planning, and strong regulatory oversight to avoid misuse and long-term limitations on railway operations.