Despite our many advancements, Bangladesh has a lot of work to do when it comes to the public transportation sector. As such, it is good news that the West Zone of Bangladesh is getting 40 new locomotive engines aimed at improving the standard of passenger service in the area.
When looking at our railway alone, there are only 92 engines in the west operating zone with a 20-year life span, of which 43 have already expired. As trains are one of the foremost modes of transport within the country, it is only natural to expect the authorities to upgrade our railway and modernize it soon, as this will have a spillover effect on our other ambitions.
What is more impressive is that the new locomotive engines are bringing a number of improvements; there are air-conditioning facilities for the loco-masters and cameras on both the front and back sides that will ensure that the trains can be driven carefully.
A common incident when it comes to our railways is the pelting of stones at trains and passengers that have led to a number of injuries. With the help of these cameras, that is something that we should be able to eradicate. And since it takes a lot more money to maintain expired engines and older parts are hard to find in the local market, keeping old engines instead of buying new ones is more expensive. As such, it is good to see the government taking such a prudent step here.
Steps like this are encouraging, but should become the norm. The government has justified plans of decentralization, and different economic projects are being set up across the country. But if the transportation system between the capital and other cities does not improve, then all of these steps will go to waste. To be pro-active about this measure, find out the issues and scopes of improvement when it comes to our railways, and take steps promptly is the approach that is to be expected from the authorities concerned.
All in all, while the recent upgrades are good, our railway, and indeed our transportation as a whole, is in need of a makeover. The sooner we tackle this, the better.