Shahidur Rahman, hailing from Chattogram, frequently travels between Dhaka and his hometown as his family resides in the port city while he lives in the capital. His preferred mode of transport is always the train.

“Yeah, I like trains; my family does too. In Dhaka, I reside in Uttara and prefer using the Dhaka Metro whenever I travel to the downtown area,” Shahid shared, expressing his enthusiasm for train journeys.

However, Shahidur lamented a significant challenge: “I cannot purchase tickets from the counter, not even online. I have to rely on black marketeers who, ironically, are quite ‘humble’ and deliver the tickets to my home.”

Like Shahid, many Bangladeshis are fond of train travel. But the country’s railway system has yet to meet passenger expectations, despite considerable government investment.

While Bangladesh has spent thousands of crores of taka on railway projects, challenges persist, hampering the system’s ability to serve the growing demand effectively.

The current fiscal year’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) includes 34 projects costing Tk 1.46 lakh crore, alongside 32 pending projects awaiting approval with a combined cost of Tk 1.39 lakh crore.

Challenges Facing Bangladesh Railway

Many railway projects suffer from delays and inadequate planning, resulting in staff shortages and outdated equipment. The lack of a unified strategy undermines the effectiveness of new initiatives, official sources said.

They said Bangladesh Railway also struggles with a shortage of engines, coaches and manpower, limiting its ability to expand services and run new lines efficiently.

The revenue generated by Bangladesh Railway is inadequate to cover operational costs, creating a financial strain that inhibits growth and development. Reports of misappropriation of funds and insider trading further erode public trust and hinder progress, according to officials wishing to remain anonymous.

Expert Opinion

Despite being a popular mode of transport, Bangladesh’s railway sector struggles due to inefficiency and government monopoly, Dr M Shamsul Hoque, Civil Engineering professor at Buet, told UNB.

He attributes this to a lack of service-oriented mindset among government officials, who focus on infrastructure for personal gains rather than improving services. Unlike water, road, and air transport, where private entities play a key role, railways remain entirely government-controlled, leading to mismanagement and dependency on subsidies.

Read: Benapole, Sundarbans Express trains’ routes to remain unchanged

Dr Hoque stressed that globally, railways generate revenue through container transport, offsetting losses in passenger services. “In Bangladesh, this potential remains untapped due to the absence of accountability and professionalism.”

He criticised previous governments for self-serving practices, such as misusing development funds for foreign trips.

To improve, Dr Hoque recommends structural reforms, transparency, and partial privatisation of railway services. Introducing public hearings, as seen in the US, could ensure accountability by holding officials and politicians responsible for failures. “If you cannot deliver, step aside,” he said, stressing the need for a professional approach to unlock the sector’s potential.

Adviser’s Perspective

When asked about new initiatives, Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan told UNB, “We cannot change what happened in the past, but we are working to address future challenges. Now there is a shortage of locomotives, and we are working on procuring them. Efforts are also being made to increase the number of coaches and enhance the capacity of workshops and repair facilities.”

The adviser mentioned plans to introduce commuter train services on several routes, including the Joydebpur-Dhaka route. Services on the Narsingdi-Dhaka and Narayanganj-Dhaka routes are expected to be launched on March 26.

Read more: Freight trains to be operational from Monday; commuter from Tuesday

He also noted that an additional pair of trains would be introduced on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route to meet high demand.

“While railway lines and stations were expanded earlier, the number of engines and coaches was not increased. We are trying to make the best possible use of our limited resources,” the adviser added.

Dhaka Metro Rail: A Game-Changer

The newly operational Dhaka Metro Rail is transforming urban commuting. With MRT Line 6 currently in operation and five lines planned, the metro system aims to mitigate Dhaka’s notorious traffic congestion and reduce air pollution.

Designed to serve over 60,000 passengers per hour, the metro offers speed, safety and convenience, quickly becoming a preferred choice for urban mobility.

Commuters’ Experience

Trains are an indispensable mode of transport for countless commuters across Bangladesh.

M Jahangir Alam, a journalist residing in Mirpur, Dhaka said, “Taking the train means I can spend more time in my professional work and family instead of being stuck in traffic.”

Similarly, Kaiser Ahmed, a Dhaka University student, shared, “The train is my gateway to education. It’s affordable and reliable, making my daily commute manageable.”

Both Jahangir and Kaiser said rail transport is not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly, consuming significantly less energy than road vehicles to transport equivalent volumes of passengers or freight.

Opportunities for Growth

Encouragingly, the government allocated Tk 18,072 crore for the Ministry of Railways for the fiscal year 2024–25.

Investments are directed towards modernising infrastructure, improving intercity services, and enhancing container movement.

Read more: Commuter trains to run on short routes from Aug 1: Railway DG

The inauguration of new routes via the Padma Bridge in December will significantly boost connectivity in the southwestern regions.

The 20-Year Railway Master Plan outlines 235 projects worth Tk 2,33,944 crore. This includes expanding the network by 2,877 kilometres, connecting 44 districts, and standardising gauge systems to streamline operations. Integration with road and inland water systems is also prioritised, creating a cohesive national transport framework.

Lessons from Global Leaders

Bangladesh has much to learn from global railway leaders.

Japan’s Shinkansen sets the gold standard for safety and efficiency, while India’s dedicated freight corridors highlight the benefits of specialised goods transport.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative demonstrates the potential of integrated rail networks for trade, and Europe’s success in shifting freight from roads to rail showcases the environmental and logistical advantages of rail transport.

Revitalising Bangladesh Railway requires a strategic approach focused on infrastructure upgrades, rationalising gauge systems, and integrating multimodal transport. Strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing employee productivity, and fostering greater transparency are essential to turning Bangladesh Railway into a world-class transport service, experts said.

With rising public demand and increased government focus, the railway is poised to play a transformative role in the nation’s development journey. Ensuring its modernisation and efficiency will not only enhance mobility but also secure its position as a cornerstone of national progress, according to the experts.