The government has announced plans to revamp Bangladesh Railway, aiming to transform it from a loss-making entity into a profitable and service-oriented organization.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam, minister of road transport, bridges; railways; and shipping, made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a consultation meeting with officials of the Railway Ministry and Bangladesh Railway at Rail Bhaban on Abdul Gani Road in Dhaka.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam emphasised the need to restructure the railway, reduce losses, and improve passenger services.
“The prime minister has prioritised modernising Bangladesh Railway and enhancing the quality of passenger service. The 13th parliamentary election manifesto included a pledge to revitalise the railway as the backbone of national transport,” he said.
He added that the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued directives to curb ticket black-marketing, eliminate corruption, and raise the standard of passenger services.
Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, the minister instructed officials to ensure smooth and hassle-free railway travel.
He also directed the development of a practical 180-day action plan to implement election manifesto commitments and tasked officials with finding ways to reduce travel time on the Dhaka–Chattogram route within a week.
State Ministers Habibur Rashid and Md Rajib Ahsan attended the meeting as special guests. The session was chaired by Railway Secretary Md Fahimul Islam and attended by Bangladesh Railway General Manager Md Afzal Hossain along with senior officials from the ministry and Bangladesh Railway.
The government’s initiative signals a major push to modernize the national rail network, improve efficiency, and enhance passenger experience.
