Bangladesh Railway has introduced a new advertising policy aimed at boosting non-fare revenue and tightening oversight of commercial signage across its network, as the state-run transport operator struggles with operational inefficiencies, revenue leakage, and mounting financial pressure.
The move comes as the agency seeks to diversify its income sources beyond passenger fares and freight services, addressing longstanding concerns over recurring operational losses, weak asset management, ticketing irregularities, infrastructure maintenance costs, and the underutilisation of commercial railway property.
Over the past decade, the government has increased railway spending on new rail lines, dual-gauge projects, signalling upgrades, and station modernisation initiatives.
However, the sector continues to face structural weaknesses, including slow project implementation, ageing infrastructure, manpower shortages, and limited commercial efficiency.
Transport experts suggest that improved management of railway-owned assets could help reduce dependence on state subsidies, though they caution that effective enforcement will be critical to the success of the new framework.
The “Bangladesh Railway Advertising and Signage Policy, 2026,” published on 20 May, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework governing advertisements on railway property, stations, and trains.
Under the new policy, authorities will regulate a wide range of advertising formats, including digital screens, billboards, neon signs, mobile advertisements, and promotional displays on train interiors and exteriors.
Railway officials stated that the policy is intended to modernise commercial activities while ensuring that advertisements do not obstruct railway operations, passenger movement, or public safety.
“We have outlined the new policy as the types of advertisement are constantly evolving and we have incorporated different modality of advertisement in the new policy,” Fahimul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, told TIMES on Thursday.
The regulations introduce standardised procedures for the approval, installation, and monitoring of advertisements across the network, replacing a fragmented system that previously enabled unauthorised displays and inconsistent fee collection.
A major focus of the policy is reducing revenue leakage from the commercial use of railway assets.
Bangladesh Railway has faced years of criticism over weak financial management and its inability to fully monetise its vast land holdings, station premises, and transport infrastructure.
Unauthorised advertising and informal leasing practices have often deprived the agency of potential earnings.
To address this, the policy sets out a structured fee schedule based on location and commercial value. Advertising charges will be higher in major urban hubs such as Dhaka and Chattogram, while lower rates will apply in smaller districts.
The policy also introduces stricter eligibility requirements for advertising agencies. Companies seeking advertising rights must undergo a formal selection process, submit security deposits, and comply with operational standards.
Bangladesh Railway has been granted the authority to take punitive measures against violators, including the immediate removal of unauthorised advertisements at the advertiser’s expense, the forfeiture of security deposits, blacklisting of agencies, and legal action to recover unpaid fees or damages.
To improve transparency and prevent the fraudulent occupation of advertising spaces, the framework incorporates technological monitoring systems, including QR-code-based verification and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) planning for signage placement.
Experts noted that the policy reflects a broader attempt to strengthen non-ticket revenue streams as the government continues heavy investment in infrastructure.
Shifun Newaz, an assistant professor at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology’s Accident Research Institute, stated that the government must place the responsibility for the maintenance of advertisements on the advertising companies.
“The government will benefit if they put advertisements on the outside of the Cox’s Bazar-bound tourist trains,” Newaz said. “On one hand the railway will get revenue, on the other the trains will look beautiful.”
