Bangladesh Railway, the state-owned rail transport agency of the country, is one of the oldest and largest public transport systems in South Asia. It operates over 2,800 km of track, covering most of the major districts and cities of Bangladesh. It carries about 65 million passengers and 2.5 million tons of freight annually, making it a vital lifeline for the economy and society of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Railway has a long and rich history, dating back to the British colonial era, when the first railway line was constructed in 1862 between Darshana and Jagiti. Since then, Bangladesh Railway has witnessed many changes and challenges, such as the partition of India in 1947, the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, and the natural disasters and political turmoil that have affected the country from time to time. Despite these difficulties, Bangladesh Railway has continued to grow and develop, adding new routes, stations, trains, and facilities to meet the increasing demand of the people.
Bangladesh Railway has also embarked on a journey of modernization and innovation, with the vision of becoming a world-class railway service provider by 2041. Some of the major projects and initiatives that Bangladesh Railway has undertaken or planned to implement are:
- The Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar rail link project, which will connect the capital city with the longest sea beach in the world, reducing the travel time from 12 hours to 6 hours. The project will also boost tourism and regional connectivity, as it will be linked with the Trans-Asian Railway Corridor.
- The Padma bridge rail link project, which will connect Dhaka with the southwestern region of the country, crossing over the mighty Padma river. The project will enhance the mobility and accessibility of people and goods, as well as create new opportunities for trade and development.
- The Dhaka Metro Rail project, which will introduce a mass rapid transit system in the congested city of Dhaka, easing traffic congestion and pollution. The project will have six lines, covering a total length of 174 km, and will carry about 4 million passengers per day.
- The introduction of e-ticketing service, which allows passengers to book and purchase tickets online using various payment methods. The service also provides information on train schedules, seat availability, fares, and other details.
- The procurement of new locomotives, coaches, wagons, and other rolling stock, as well as the improvement of existing ones, to increase the capacity and quality of train services. Bangladesh Railway has also introduced new types of trains, such as intercity express trains, commuter trains, container trains, and tourist trains.
- The improvement of railway infrastructure, such as tracks, bridges, signals, stations, workshops, and other facilities, to ensure safety and efficiency of train operations. Bangladesh Railway has also adopted new technologies, such as GPS tracking system, automatic train protection system, computerized signaling system, and online train monitoring system.
Bangladesh Railway is not only a transport agency, but also a social institution that serves the people of Bangladesh with dedication and care. It provides various benefits and facilities to its passengers, such as concessional fares for students, senior citizens, freedom fighters, disabled persons, etc., free travel for gallantry award winners and their families, special trains for religious festivals, emergency medical services, etc. Bangladesh Railway also participates in various social welfare activities, such as blood donation camps, tree plantation campaigns, etc.
Bangladesh Railway is a proud partner of the government’s vision 2021 and vision 2041, which aim to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. Bangladesh Railway is committed to providing safe, reliable, comfortable, affordable, and environmentally friendly rail transport services to the people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Railway is also keen to enhance its cooperation and friendship with neighboring countries and international organizations through railway diplomacy. Bangladesh Railway is a symbol of progress and prosperity for Bangladesh.
