Dhaka: Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Ministry of Railways Dr. Sheik Moinuddin has announced an ambitious expansion of the country’s rail network, involving the expansion of around 500 to 600 kilometers of rail lines. This initiative aims to increase the share of national goods transported via railways to 40 percent.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Sheik Moinuddin discussed in an exclusive interview that the burgeoning population of the country will lead to an increased dependency on railways. In response to this anticipated demand, the interim government has launched several projects to modernize and develop the railway sector.
Sheik Moinuddin observed that while developed nations transport 20 to 40 percent of goods via rail, Bangladesh lags behind with only three to four percent. To address this disparity, the government plans to modernize railway signaling systems and has initiated steps to acquire over 30 locomotives from developed countries. Future plans also include domestic assembly of railway coaches to bolster self-reliance.
In addition to railways, the government is prioritizing the development of waterways as a rapid and effective communication mode. The modernization of both sectors could enable the transportation of 40 to 50 percent of goods through rail and water routes, he stated.
The Special Assistant highlighted the plan for direct loading and unloading of goods into railway wagons from ports, facilitated by rail line renovations that allow wagons to access container depots. He noted that post-independence, the emphasis shifted from railways to roads, underrepresenting the former. Now, a comprehensive multimodal plan is being developed to alleviate road network pressure.
He underscored the necessity for greater reliance on railways and waterways with the opening of Matarbari Port and its terminal, as existing road networks will be insufficient for future cargo volumes.
Sheik Moinuddin mentioned several key projects underway, including dual-tracking of the Chattogram-Dohazari rail line, a newly approved project to bypass Chattogram, and the rehabilitation of the Akhaura-Sylhet line into a dual-gauge track.
He pointed out that transporting goods by large trucks exacerbates traffic congestion and inflicts severe damage on roads, incurring annual maintenance costs of hundreds of crores of Taka. Modernizing railways will alleviate this burden and make the sector more appealing to the youth.
Expressing optimism, Sheik Moinuddin conveyed confidence that the pragmatic initiatives undertaken by the current interim government will be sustained by the subsequent government.