Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam informed the National Parliament on Monday- why old and unserviceable railway tracks are not sold at auction and detailed various government initiatives to prevent road accidents.
Rabiul provided this information in response to two separate written questions during the seventh day of the second and first budget session of the 13th National Parliament. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad presided over the session.
The minister informed Parliament, in response to a written query from Member of Parliament Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, that railway track renewal and replacement work is underway across various Bangladesh Railway lines.
During these operations, usable rails are temporarily stored at work sites for subsequent use in rail replacement work. While these old or unserviceable rails may appear scattered during the transition period, they are carefully stored in designated secure locations once the work is completed.
Explaining the decision not to auction the old rails, Rabiul said they are repurposed for critical railway infrastructure, specifically for embankment protection. Additionally, these rails are effectively used for rail-fencing at various unauthorised level crossing gates.
This practice not only ensures the security of Bangladesh Railway but also results in significant financial savings. Since the unserviceable rails are directly reusable for the railway’s own safety and protection, they are not available for open auction.
In response to a question from MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the minister noted that various government departments are actively working to prevent road accidents. Risk-prone bends and spots where accidents occur frequently on district, regional, and national highways have already been identified.
Infrastructure improvements, including rapid repairs and the installation of necessary signs and signals, are being carried out at these locations. Furthermore, the construction of speed breakers, zebra crossings, and the installation of rumble strips in accident-prone areas are in full swing.
Rabiul emphasised that the government is prioritising public awareness alongside infrastructural development to ensure road safety. A nationwide awareness campaign has been initiated, and a specialised project titled the “Bangladesh Road Safety Project” has been undertaken.
The primary objective of this project is to significantly reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from road accidents based on specific targets.
To enhance the skills and awareness of drivers, a special initiative has been launched through the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). The minister announced that professional transport drivers across the country must now undergo mandatory refresher training focused on awareness and skill development before their driving licences can be renewed.
He expressed hope that these training and awareness programmes would play a vital role in preventing loss of life on highways caused by unfit vehicles and unskilled drivers.
