Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam -File photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 15, 2026 (BSS) - Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam 
today informed Parliament that the government has undertaken a series of 
initiatives to improve Bangladesh Railway's service quality and strengthen 
passenger safety, particularly for women and children.

Replying to a tabled scripted question from opposition lawmaker Nurunnisa 
Siddika (women seat-37) in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), he said the government 
has been implementing infrastructure modernization, rolling stock procurement 
and enhanced security measures to provide safer and more comfortable rail 
travel.

"The government has undertaken various initiatives to improve passenger 
services in Bangladesh Railway," Rabiul added.

With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair, the minister told 
the House that under a project to procure 200 broad-gauge carriages from 
India's RITES Limited, the first consignment of 20 broad gauge carriages is 
expected to arrive in the last week of May 2026, while the remaining coaches 
will be supplied during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

He said preparations are underway for procuring an additional 260 broad-gauge 
coaches while a Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the procurement of 30 
metre-gauge locomotives has already been sent to the Planning Commission.

According to the minister, feasibility studies are in their final stages for 
the procurement of 200 metre-gauge carriages, four wheel lathes and four 
relief trains.

He also said a DPP has been submitted to introduce electric traction on the 
Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route.

"The modernization and capacity enhancement of Bangladesh Railway's carriage, 
wagon and locomotive maintenance workshops are also under feasibility study," 
he continued.

Highlighting passenger-friendly services, Rabiul Alam said Bangladesh Railway 
launched a call centre and hotline service on September 10, 2024, through the 
number 131 to facilitate passenger support.

He said intercity train tickets are currently being issued through both the 
Rail Sheba mobile application and the online ticketing portal.

The minister further informed Parliament that Bangladesh Railway has taken 
steps to establish information desks at important railway stations across the 
country, while onboard services are currently available on 33 intercity 
trains.

Food and beverages are being sold on trains at rates fixed by Bangladesh 
Railway, while station waiting rooms and washrooms are being maintained in 
usable condition at all times, he added.

To curb ticket black marketing and ensure that "the ticket holder is the 
actual traveler," a task force comprising officials from both railway zones 
has been formed, the minister said.

On passenger security, Rabiul Alam said special arrangements have been made 
to ensure the safety of women and child passengers.

"Female Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) and female police personnel are 
deployed round the clock at women and child help desks established in all 
railway police stations under the railway district," he added.

The minister further said female police personnel are also regularly deployed 
alongside train guard parties to strengthen passenger security during 
journeys.

"For any unforeseen situation, both male and female police personnel remain 
on standby at all railway police stations and police lines," he added.

He said the Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB) has been working relentlessly to 
prevent theft, robbery and other crimes at railway stations and on trains.

The minister noted that the Government Railway Police (GRP) is primarily 
responsible for passenger security on running trains.

"To further enhance passenger safety, RNB personnel are also deployed on 
trains whenever necessary," he told the House.