Dhaka: Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today proposed an allocation of Taka 11,944 crore for the railways ministry to bolster the rail network, introduce modern systems, and enhance capacity, aiming to ensure safe, comfortable, and affordable train journeys as he unveiled the national budget. Dr Ahmed highlighted the global popularity of railway networks due to their safety, affordability, and comfort.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Ahmed emphasized the government’s commitment to fundamentally transforming the railways sector. Following a 30-year Railway Master Plan, initiatives are underway to construct double-line railway tracks, unify gauges, introduce modern signaling systems, improve rail communication with seaports, and upgrade locomotives with electric traction.
Additionally, steps are being taken to establish a new unit and modernize existing locomotive workshops to enhance the domestic assembling capacity of railway coaches and wagons. Dr Ahmed’s budget speech also suggested minimizing unnecessary expenditure. Under the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP), the implementation cost of the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link (2nd revised)’ project was reduced by approximately Tk. 622 crore.
The budget also addressed cost reductions, with the project for “Construction of Single Line Dual Gauge Track from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and Ramu to Gundum near Myanmar (2nd revised)” seeing a reduction of about Tk. 6,699 crore. In terms of development initiatives, the ‘Construction of Rail cum Road Bridge over Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat’ commenced at a cost of around Tk 11,561 crore.
Furthermore, rail communication from Dhaka to Jashore via Bhanga was resumed, and train service began following the completion of the construction of the Jamuna Railway Bridge.