The Bangladesh Railway has traditionally operated with eastern and western regions, each encompassing multiple administrative divisions.
However, in a recent development aimed at enhancing passenger service quality and expanding the rail network, the Ministry of Railways has decided to restructure the existing framework, dividing Bangladesh Railway into four distinct regions.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on December 5, presided over by Bangladesh Railway Director General Kamrul Ahsan.
The West Zone, previously comprising Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Greater Faridpur districts, will be bifurcated.
Khulna and Greater Faridpur will form a new southern zone, with Jessore and Faridpur designated as administrative divisions under this emerging zone.
Simultaneously, Dhaka and Mymensingh will be separated from the existing East Zone, which includes Chittagong, Sylhet, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions.
This move will establish a new central region, with Dhaka and Mymensingh as its administrative divisions.
Sylhet is proposed as the new operating division following the removal of Dhaka Division from the East Zone.
The West Zone, comprising Rajshahi and Rangpur, will undergo adjustments, with Pakshi and Lalmonirhat administrative divisions remaining unchanged.
The director general of Bangladesh Railway has instructed the submission of a comprehensive proposal, encompassing jurisdiction and manpower details for the newly proposed departments, to the Ministry of Railways.
Furthermore, the meeting minutes highlighted the prime minister's directive during a visit to the Ministry of Railways on October 23, 2014, advocating the division of the existing two regions into four.
This decision aligns with future development, expansion goals, and enhanced convenience for the people.
Under the new structure, four general managers will lead the four regions, and a divisional railway manager will oversee the management departments.
The entire manpower structure of the railways will undergo a comprehensive overhaul, delegating train management decisions to regions and divisions, while policy-making matters will be addressed by both the railway headquarters and officials.
Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan, commenting on this initiative, said that the division of railways into four regions aligns with the prime minister's directive to augment the railway network, particularly passenger services.
This restructuring encompasses measures to revamp the manpower structure of the railways.
Presently, Bangladesh boasts a railway network spanning 3,093.38 kilometers, with 1,333.93 kilometers in the East Zone and 1,759.45 kilometers in the West Zone.
The implementation of the existing master plan is poised to elevate the railway network to approximately 4,700 kilometers in the future.
