Dhaka: State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid has announced that the government is considering private investment in the railway sector to enhance passenger services. The minister revealed that the government is working on long-term plans aimed at modernizing the country’s railway system to make it more time-befitting, smart, and profitable.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister shared these insights during an interview at his office in the Ministry of Railways. He highlighted that Bangladesh is looking to follow the lead of many other countries by increasing private sector participation in the railway sector. However, he made it clear that no final decision has been reached yet.
The state minister explained that private investment could potentially improve service quality and competitiveness, although overall supervision would remain under government control. He also noted that the government is taking steps to gradually convert the railway system to broad gauge to align with global standards, a process that could take 15 to 20 years.
Building a skilled workforce and upgrading existing railway lines are also crucial elements of the government’s plan, Rashid emphasized. The government is focusing on making current services faster and more affordable for passengers. However, a shortage of locomotives presents a significant challenge, exacerbated by the lack of coordination between meter gauge and broad gauge systems, especially during peak periods like Eid.
Rashid acknowledged the financial challenges facing the railway sector, highlighting a significant gap between income and expenditure. He stated that for every one taka earned, two taka is spent, but assured that efforts are underway to make the railway more efficient and profitable in the future.
The minister also discussed initiatives to recover unused and encroached railway land for public welfare projects, such as solar power generation, afforestation, or other infrastructure developments. He stressed that service improvements must go beyond adding modern trains or coaches, focusing on cleanliness, passenger service, safety, and staff behavior.
To achieve these goals, field-level monitoring has been strengthened, and railway managers have been instructed to conduct regular inspections. In case of railway accidents, accountability will extend beyond drivers and guards to officials at all relevant levels.
While discussing the Narayanganj route, Rashid mentioned that there are no government plans for new investment in DEMU trains, although private investment proposals may be considered. Overall, the government is advancing with both short-term and long-term plans to create a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway system.