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Central Railway Building

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Landmark
—°15
Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)

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The Central Railway Building (CRB) in Chittagong is a prime example of colonial-era architecture in Bangladesh, serving as the headquarters of the Bangladesh Railway (East Zone). Completed in 1895, the building was constructed during British rule to function as the administrative hub for the Assam Bengal Railway. It is characterized by its red brick facades, wide arched corridors, and its harmonious integration with the hilly terrain of Chittagong. The surrounding area of the CRB is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring century-old trees and sprawling green spaces that provide a vital 'lung' for the bustling city. Historically, the building played a central role in the development of transport infrastructure across Eastern Bengal and Assam. Today, it stands not only as an administrative office but also as a popular destination for leisure walkers and cultural festivities, such as the annual Pohela Boishakh celebrations. The preservation of this heritage site has been a focal point of public discourse regarding urban conservation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C182226282928282828272420
Rain mm919411263055517825313952335614

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The building is an administrative building, usually not open to the public. You can view it from the outside and admire the colonial architecture.
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Typical hours
As it is a functioning office building, there are no fixed visiting hours. The best time for an exterior visit is during the day when the light is good.
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Photography
Photography from outside is allowed anytime and yields good shots of the façade. Watch out for traffic as the building is on a busy street.
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Time needed
An exterior visit takes only 15 to 20 minutes. Combine it with a walk along the historic streets of Chittagong.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Chittagong Court Building and the railway station. Foy's Lake is also not far away.
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Getting there
The building is in the heart of Chittagong, near the railway station. It is reachable on foot from the city center or by rickshaw.
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Insider tip
Visit the building in the late afternoon when the light highlights the colonial details. Bring a telephoto lens to capture details from a safe distance.

Geography

Coordinates
22.34210, 91.82190

Facts

  • The building was completed in 1895 during the British colonial period.
  • It originally served as the headquarters for the Assam Bengal Railway.
  • The CRB is famous for its distinctive red brick architecture and arched corridors.
  • The area is home to numerous rare and ancient tree species.
  • It is located in the Pahartali neighborhood on a scenic hilly terrain.
  • The grounds are a major venue for celebrating the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nasirabad Industrial AreaNasirabad Industrial Area<1 km · SWExplore →
Karnaphuli RiverKarnaphuli River1 km · NExplore →
Foy's LakeFoy's Lake3 km · SExplore →
Kutubdia Wind FarmKutubdia Wind Farm4 km · NEExplore →
Matarbari Deep Sea PortMatarbari Deep Sea Port5 km · NEExplore →
Kalurghat Industrial AreaKalurghat Industrial Area6 km · NExplore →
Halda ValleyHalda Valley7 km · SExplore →
Lawachara National ParkLawachara National Park8 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Central Railway Building (15)

Jamboree Park🌳 park

A modern urban park featuring large artificial lakes and colorful fountain displays that are illuminated at night.

🕒 Mo-Sa 17:00-21:00

Chittagong Buddhist Bihar⛪ religious

A significant Buddhist monastery in the Nandan Kanan district, serving as a spiritual hub for the local community.

Naval Museun🏛 museum

A naval museum showcasing the maritime history of Bangladesh, featuring exhibits of naval equipment.

Parabar Shahitya Sangskriti Sanghsad, Dhaka Trunk Rd, Chattogram🏛 museum

A cultural center and museum on Dhaka Trunk Road dedicated to the preservation of Bengali literature and arts.

Ethnological Museum, Sabdar Ali Rd, Chattogram🏛 museum

A renowned museum documenting the lifestyle and crafts of Bangladesh's diverse ethnic groups.

Natuna Raster Matha, Kamal Gate Rd, Chattogram🏰 castle

A distinctive landmark at the Kamal Gate Road junction, serving as a local orientation point in the neighborhood.

Reboti Mohan Statue🏺 historical

A local monument honoring Reboti Mohan, a significant figure in Chattogram's civic history.

Nazir Shah Bandari Mazar, Station Rd, Chattogram⛪ religious

A revered Sufi shrine on Station Road attracting pilgrims who visit the tomb of Nazir Shah Bandari.

Shahid Abdul Hasim Cemetery, C.R.B. Rd, Chattogram⛪ religious

A cemetery and place of worship on C.R.B. Road, dedicated to the memory of Shahid Abdul Hasim.

Gauchiya Cycle Bazar, Station Rd, Chattogram🎭 culture

A specialist market for bicycles and parts located near the Station Road intersection.

Kazir Dewry Wet Market🎭 culture

A traditional wet market known for its fresh local produce and bustling daily trade.

Gausia Market, Sheikh Mujib Rd, Chattogram🎭 culture

A major textile and clothing hub situated on the busy Sheikh Mujib Road.

Old Steam Engine📍 landmark

A vintage black steam locomotive preserved as a monument outside the railway headquarters.

Love lane markaj mosque, Love Ln, Chattogram📍 landmark

A significant religious center and mosque located on the famous Love Lane.

Enayet Bazar Jame Mosque📍 landmark

A large community mosque serving the Enayet Bazar residential area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the CRB building?
The administrative hub of Bangladesh Railway (East Zone) in Chittagong.
Why do tourists visit the area?
For the beautiful colonial architecture and the green, hilly surroundings.
Are there cultural events there?
Yes, festivals like the Bengali New Year are often celebrated there.
Is it a safe place for walking?
Yes, it is a popular spot for locals for walking and relaxing.
When was the building built?
It dates back to the British colonial period, built around 1872.
Central Railway Building: where is it located?
Central Railway Building is located in Bangladesh.
Central Railway Building: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jamboree Park, Chittagong Buddhist Bihar, Naval Museun.
Central Railway Building: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Central Railway Building: why is it worth visiting?
The Central Railway Building (CRB) in Chittagong is a prime example of colonial-era architecture in Bangladesh, serving as the headquarters of the Bangladesh Railway (East Zone).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Shrine of Bayazid Bostami — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami
A historic shrine in Chittagong, famous for its pond inhabited by rare, sacred turtles.

Nature

Karnaphuli River — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Karnaphuli River
The largest river in Chittagong region, on whose banks lies the country's largest seaport.
Sangu River — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Sangu River
A river in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, known for its scenic route through the mountains.
Kaptai Lake — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Kaptai Lake
The largest artificial lake in Bangladesh, created by the construction of the Kaptai Dam.
Boga Lake — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Boga Lake
A high-altitude, natural lake in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, surrounded by dense forests.

More places

Foy&#39;s Lake — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Foy's Lake
An artificial lake in Chittagong surrounded by picturesque hills, featuring an amusement park.
Foy&#39;s Lake Amusement World — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Foy's Lake Amusement World
A family-friendly theme park on an artificial lake in Chittagong, surrounded by green hills.
Himchari National Park — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Himchari National Park
A scenic park near Cox's Bazar that combines forested hills and breathtaking ocean views.
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary
An important refuge in the Chittagong district that serves as a crucial corridor for the migration of wild elephants.
Dulahazara Safari Park — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Dulahazara Safari Park
A wildlife park near Cox's Bazar originally established as a sanctuary for Asian elephants.
Kaptai National Park — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Kaptai National Park
A hilly protected area that offers stunning views of Kaptai Lake and is home to many wild animals.
Teknaf Game Reserve — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Teknaf Game Reserve
An elongated forest area in the far south where wild Asian elephants wander through the dense greenery.
Keokradong — Central Railway Building (Bangladesh)
Keokradong
One of the most famous and frequently visited mountain peaks in Bangladesh.