Rail freight movement on the Chattogram–Dhaka corridor has been disrupted due to an acute shortage of locomotives, affecting the transportation of import and export containers between the country’s main seaport and inland destinations.
Bangladesh Railway officials said several container trains have been delayed or cancelled as a limited number of operational engines are being stretched across passenger and freight services. The shortage has led to congestion at Chattogram Port and longer dwell times for containers bound for Dhaka and nearby inland container depots.
Logistics operators warned that continued disruption could push cargo owners to shift volumes to road transport, raising costs and worsening highway congestion. Exporters, particularly from the garment sector, expressed concern over missed delivery schedules and potential penalties.
Bangladesh Railway said efforts are underway to repair idle locomotives and induct new engines, but industry sources noted that a sustained solution will require faster procurement and better fleet management to support growing rail-based container traffic.