Strategic freight, passenger service upgrade planned to boost railway revenue

Infographic: TBS

Highlights 

• High-speed electric trains and Dhaka–Cumilla chord line planned to improve network
• Short-term focus includes fare revisions, new commuter services, and anti-evasion measures
• Long-term plans prioritise freight infrastructure and commercial use of railway assets
• Railway faces major manpower shortage and outdated maintenance systems

In a major push to turn Bangladesh Railway into a profitable and efficient transport entity, the government is rolling out a comprehensive strategy focused on boosting freight capacity, enhancing passenger services, and expanding rail infrastructure.

The initiative includes a mix of short-, medium-, and long-term plans aimed at strengthening container transport through improved rail-sea-port integration and increasing train operations nationwide.

Plans are underway to introduce high-speed electric trains on the Dhaka–Chattogram route and construct the Dhaka–Cumilla chord line to improve network efficiency.

Strategic rail corridors such as Dhaka–Bhanga–Jashore–Khulna–Mongla, Mongla–Parbatipur, and Dhaka–Chilahati are also being prioritised, along with dedicated container corridors.

A joint meeting of the Planning Commission, Ministry of Railways, and Bangladesh Railway was held on 30 April to review these proposals.

The meeting was chaired by MA Akmall Hossain Azad, Member of the Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission, and attended by key officials including Rail Secretary Md Fahimul Islam and Director General Afzal Hossain.

Dhaka–Chattogram Route

In a major infrastructure upgrade, design work is progressing on the proposed Dhaka–Cumilla chord line. Once operational, it will divert passenger trains from the current line, freeing it for freight use. The 83km route is expected to reduce the Dhaka–Chattogram journey by up to 90km, slashing travel time to just 2–2.5 hours. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has given preliminary approval for funding.

Electric train feasibility from Narayanganj to Chattogram via Dhaka is also underway, with a Tk15 crore study expected to conclude this year. This shift to electric traction is anticipated to lower costs, improve travel time, and ease road congestion.

Two major gauge-conversion projects are also on the table to convert the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox's Bazar corridor to broad gauge.

One involves upgrading the Tongi–Bhairab Bazar–Akhaura line at a cost of $1.717 billion, with $1.452 billion in external financing. The other, supported by EIB and ADB, will convert the Laksam–Pahartali line with an estimated investment of $600 million.

Commuter services

Bangladesh Railway currently runs 75 commuter trains and plans to expand services across high-demand routes including Dhaka–Tangail, Dhaka–Bhanga, Dhaka–Mymensingh, Cox's Bazar–Chattogram, and several northern and southwestern connections such as Parbatipur–Panchagarh and Khulna–Mongla.

Short-term revenue measures

Immediate revenue-boosting proposals include revising passenger and freight fares, optimising coach allocation, and launching another non-stop Dhaka–Chattogram service.

Extension of the Meghna Express to Cox's Bazar and additional services on the Dhaka–Cox's Bazar line are also planned.

Unused railway optical fibre will be commercially leased, while illegal land occupations will be regularised under structured leasing.

The newly completed Jamuna Railway Bridge will facilitate new unloading yards at Tongi and Tejgaon, improving freight handling near the capital.

Mid-term plans

As part of its medium-term plans, the railway ministry wants to ensure the transport of essential government commodities – including food grains, fertiliser, and fuel – via rail to streamline public logistics and reduce costs.

The ministry is also considering monetising railway assets by allowing advertisements inside trains, at major stations, and across railway-owned lands in line with policy guidelines.

Another proposed reform is the reinstatement of magistracy powers for traffic division officials to run mobile courts. This is expected to aid in curbing fare evasion and enhancing revenue collection.

To address ticketless travel, authorities have emphasised the need to implement strict access control at all key stations – preventing unauthorised entry and ensuring passengers cannot exit platforms without valid tickets.

With the opening of the Jamuna Railway Bridge, new unloading yards at Tongi and Tejgaon are proposed to facilitate freight movement closer to Dhaka.

Long-term revenue plans

Given Chattogram Port's rising container volumes, expedited completion of the Dhirashram Inland Container Depot (ICD) is being prioritised, along with a new ICD at Nimtoli to serve Mongla Port via the Padma Bridge.

Around 80% of goods arriving at Chattogram and Mongla ports are destined for Dhaka, underlining the need for modern goods yards in Mirzapur/Mouchak, Nimtoli, Tongi, and Tejgaon.

Additionally, construction of commercial and residential buildings on railway land has been proposed as a long-term revenue strategy.

Rolling stock, manpower challenges

Railway officials at the meeting highlighted ongoing shortages of locomotives, coaches, and skilled manpower.

While new rolling stock is being procured, outdated maintenance infrastructure – last expanded in 1992 – remains a bottleneck, they said. There are four locomotive workshops and 34 depots nationwide, but many are in need of modernisation.

Besides, of the approved workforce of 47,703, less than half (22,790) are currently employed. This 52% manpower shortfall has led to the closure of 130 stations and routine disruptions in train operations. Recruitment efforts are being accelerated.