The government no longer wants Bangladesh Railway to remain a loss-making organization and is working on a comprehensive overhaul to turn it into a modern, profitable and service-oriented institution, Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Thursday.
He made the remarks as chief guest at an exchange meeting held at Rail Bhaban in Dhaka, organized by the Ministry of Railways and Bangladesh Railway.
The minister said financial losses in the railway sector have long been a major challenge. To address this, the government will prioritize infrastructure development, technology-driven management, anti-corruption measures and improved passenger services. He said the goal is to develop railways as the backbone of a sustainable and efficient public transport system in Bangladesh.
Rabiul also said the election manifesto of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) includes plans to revive railways as the central pillar of the national transport system. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued special directives to prevent ticket black marketing, curb corruption and improve passenger service standards, he added.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, officials have been instructed to ensure smooth, safe and harassment-free rail travel. Emphasis has been placed on transparency in ticketing, maintaining train schedules and strengthening passenger safety measures.
The minister said authorities have been directed to prepare an implementable action plan based on the election manifesto within 180 days. He also instructed officials to identify ways within one week to reduce travel time on the Dhaka–Chittagong route.
State ministers, the ministry secretary, the director general of Bangladesh Railway and other senior officials attended the meeting. They expressed commitment to working in a coordinated manner to modernize railway services, increase revenue and improve overall passenger experience.