Despite profitability, Betna Express rail service handed over to pvt sector

The government-run Betna Express, operating on the Benapole–Khulna–Mongla route via Jashore, is being handed over to the private sector despite its profitability. 

Railway officials say the move will generate more revenue, but some sources raise concerns about vested interests pushing for the lease.

Betna Express currently brings in around Tk35 lakh per month for Bangladesh Railway, according to sources. Its affordability and connectivity have helped increase passenger numbers. Yet, the train is set to be leased to a private company for three years.

Tenders for private management were called on 22 April and opened on 19 May. After a review in early June, the documents were sent to the railway's evaluation committee. Once approved, a work order will be issued.

Sujit Kumar Biswas, chief commercial manager of Railway West Zone, said, "We invited tenders to lease the Betna Express on the Benapole–Khulna–Mongla route. The bids have been reviewed and sent to the evaluation committee. They haven't reached the administrative section yet. After that, the documents will go to Dhaka, where the highest bidder will get the contract."

However, a railway source claimed that 'H&M Company' has already been awarded the contract and that the process is being kept secret to avoid protests.

Confirming this, Humayun Ahmed, owner of H&M Company, said, "We have been given the contract. We were supposed to start managing the route in the first half of July. But because of budget and other problems, we couldn't start on time. Even if it doesn't begin this month, the train will run under our management early next month."

Mihir Kumar Guha, chief commercial manager at the Railway's Pakshi office, said, "We lease trains to the private sector based on policy guidelines. This usually happens when a train is running at a loss. If a company offers more than what the train earned in the last six months, they may get the lease."

Benapole Railway Station Master Md Saiduzzaman said, "I found out about the leasing just like you did. But I don't know if the lease has actually been approved. I haven't received any official documents about it."

Train service on this route resumed in 1999 after being suspended since 1974. It followed a 1996 government decision and a Tk25 crore investment. Initially operated by the government, the service was leased out in 2010—first to M/S Banna Enterprise, then to Islam Ship Builders. Due to declining service quality, the government resumed control in 2013. To improve service and revenue, Bangladesh Railway launched two daily commuter trains from 1 March 2017.

The Betna Express departs Khulna at 6am and reaches Benapole by 8:30am, stopping at Daulatpur, Noapara, Singia, Jashore, Jhikargacha, and Navaran. It then leaves Benapole at 9:15am, reaches Mohammadnagar by 11:45am, and Mongla by 12:45pm. The return journey starts at 1pm from Mongla and ends at Benapole at 4:30pm. The train then departs Benapole for Khulna at 5pm.

Benapole, the country's largest international land checkpost, sees many travellers to and from India. The Betna Express is widely used by these travellers, as well as government and private employees commuting between Mongla, Khulna, Jashore, and nearby towns.

Fares are set at Tk20 from Benapole to Jashore, Tk45 to Khulna, Tk50 to Mohammadnagar, and Tk85 to Mongla.