Photo : Collected

By Habibur Rahman
 
DHAKA, Aug 06, 2025 (BSS) – In the past year, significant improvements have been made in railway operations, with putting an end to ticket black marketing and passenger harassment, restoring order and accountability across the sector.
 
According to Railways Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam and Bangladesh Railway Director General Md. Afzal Hossain, a total of Tk 8,593 crore has been saved through the reassessment and adjustment of several development projects in the sector. These savings were achieved after Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed office as the Chief Adviser of the interim government, introducing stricter oversight and cost-control measures across the railway system.
 
Previously, many projects undertaken during the tenure of the fascist Awami League government were found to have inflated budgets. The interim administration’s review process helped eliminate inefficiencies and align project costs with actual requirements.

Since the interim government took office on August 8, 2024, it has restored discipline in train operations, eliminated ticket black marketing, and reassessed development plans made during the autocratic Awami League regime to reduce costs.
 
During the two Eid festivals under the interim government, there were no schedule disruptions, accidents, or derailments. Ticket checking and security have been strengthened at all stations. A special monitoring cell has been formed to prevent online ticket black marketing.
 
Among the major initiatives of the interim government is the reduction of development project costs. Due to proper and impartial planning, the these projects saw significant cost reductions: Padma Bridge Rail Link (2nd Revised): Tk 621.89 crore, Dohazari–Ramu–Cox’s Bazar and Ramu–Gundum (near Myanmar) single-line dual gauge track (2nd Revised): Tk 6,698.50 crore, Akhaura–Laksam dual gauge double line and conversion of existing lines to dual gauge (2nd Revised): Tk 859.20 crore, Rolling Stock Operation Development (1st Revised): Tk 39.13 crore, Akhaura–Agartala dual gauge rail link (Bangladesh portion): Tk 191.83 crore, Khulna–Mongla Port rail line (3rd Revised): Tk 183.30 crore. The total savings was Tk 8,593.85 crore.
 
The ministry also reported that the Jamuna Rail Bridge has been completed and double lines have been activated, increasing train speed and saving time.
 
To make Bangladesh Railway financially sustainable, steps have been taken to reduce the operating ratio and increase non-core income. Route rationalization is underway, while policies on land management and optical fiber leasing have been updated to boost revenue. 
 
The expenditure-to-income ratio has dropped from 2:5 to 2:09, with efforts ongoing to bring it below 2.
 
A call center (number 131) has been launched for public access to railway service information.
 
Commuter train services have been introduced for daily travel from nearby districts to Dhaka. Metro-style coaches now operate on Dhaka–Joydebpur and Dhaka–Narsingdi–Bhairab routes. Eight pairs of commuter trains have been launched on the Dhaka–Narayanganj route, with seating arrangements similar to metro coaches, allowing for higher passenger capacity.
 
To combat the unethical social issue of railway land grabbing, the interim government has taken strict action. In the past nine months, 153 operations have demolished 3,918 illegal structures, reclaiming 79.444 acres of railway land.
 
Recruitment for vacant positions has begun and from the waiting list, 205 waymen, 80 booking assistants, and 27 ticket collectors have already been appointed. Additionally, 102 station masters have been hired on a contractual basis to reopen closed stations.
 
In the past year, the Jamuna Rail Bridge was inaugurated, 86km of rail line opened on the Bhanga–Jashore route, and new trains like the Jahanabad Express (Khulna–Dhaka via Padma Bridge) and Ruposhi Bangla (Dhaka–Benapole) were launched. New commuter trains have also been introduced on Dhaka–Joydebpur, Dhaka–Narsingdi, and Dhaka–Narayanganj routes.
 
Railway Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam told BSS that popularity of railway is growing up due to its affordability and comfort. Ticket demand is rising, especially during Eid, when 47,000 passengers travel daily. However, seat availability remains limited due to a shortage of coaches and locomotives, he noted.
 
He added that during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, the railway successfully transported passengers without hassle, with many expressing satisfaction on social media. Passengers found trains ready upon arrival at platforms, thanks to coordinated planning, he said.
 
The secretary gave credit to Railway Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan for guiding officials on the ground and affirmed that such efforts will continue.
 
He emphasized that cost-saving has been a priority since the interim government took over. Projects initiated by the previous Awami League government had scope for cost reduction, resulting in savings of Tk 8,000–9,000 crore so far.
 
Director General Md. Afzal Hossain told BSS that even a decade ago, railway development was not a priority. Compared to roads, railways are safer, more economical, and comfortable. Government support is essential for railway progress, as it secures funding from abroad, which the Bangladesh Railway implements.
 
Regarding future plans, Afzal Hossain said a feasibility study has been conducted for a rail line from Bhanga to Kuakata via Barishal. However, funding is yet to be arranged. The project requires more financing than the Padma Bridge, so the government is considering implementing it in phases—first from Bhanga to Barishal, then to Patuakhali and Kuakata, he added.