[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Railway

[Bilal9]

Contract inked to buy 200 carriages for railway
Staff Correspondent 21 May, 2024, 00:31
View attachment 6019

The railways authorities on Monday inked a contract with an India-based manufacture and supply company to procure 200 broad gauge carriages for the Bangladesh Railway to improve communications in the country's southern region.

.........

At a ceremony held at the Rail Bhaban in the capital the Bangladesh Railway and RITES Limited, India, signed the contract under a project titled 'Procurement of 200 Broad Gauge Passenger Carriages for Bangladesh Railway'.

In the signing of the contract, project director Md Zaidul Islam and RITES Limited executive director Rajeev Chaudhary represented Bangladesh Railway and the Indian company respectively.

The contract price for these carriages is Tk 1,205.54 crore.

While I applaud the decision to buy broad-gauge passenger carriages, the decision to buy them from India (RITES) was fool-hardy and wrong.

We should have bought these from Indonesia, given past trouble-free record of Indonesian rail-carriage products and the exact opposite with Indian-made products.

Moreover - the incumbent religious-fanatic govt. in India is openly hostile and and inimical to the interest of Bangladesh and Bangladeshis everywhere, both in word and in deeds. There is absolutely no reason to encourage their behavior by supporting Indian products and imports into Bangladesh to the amount of 1200 crore.

BR people and ministers are as corrupt as ever.

 

[Saif]

Govt shouldn’t let train services operation out to private hands

THIS is a good piece of news that the railway authorities, which run keeping to the Railways Act 1890, are updating the legislation understandably to keep pace with the changed context of the modern world...

www.newagebd.net

Govt shouldn't let train services operation out to private hands
24 May, 2024, 00:00

THIS is a good piece of news that the railway authorities, which run keeping to the Railways Act 1890, are updating the legislation understandably to keep pace with the changed context of the modern world. But what appears worrying about this is that, as New Age reported on May 23, the authorities are incorporating a provision to let private companies own rolling stocks to carry passengers and goods. The Bangladesh Railway, keeping to the provision, would allow private companies, as the draft of the law says, to use the railway line, the signalling system and other infrastructure for the operation of train services. While there are issues of concern in all this, what is further worrying is that the law would apply to the trial of the employees of the private companies in the event of any breach of the law, but the law stipulates no further action if the private companies would take punitive action against the employees of the private companies standing in breach of the law. What yet remains a matter of worry is that the provision that the authorities are planning to incorporate only constitutes a pointer to the failure of the authorities who are willing to let train services operation out to private entities as they fail to run the services properly.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

Railway off track

A whopping Tk 1.22 lakh crore was poured into Bangladesh Railway for its development over the last 16 years, but the agency still faces a crippling crisis brought by ageing locomotives, carriages, and a shortage of staff due to what experts say are poorly planned and delayed projects.

www.thedailystar.net

Railway off track
Despite Tk 1.22 lakh crore allocation in 16 years, BR struggles to expand services

A whopping Tk 1.22 lakh crore was poured into Bangladesh Railway for its development over the last 16 years, but the agency still faces a crippling crisis brought by ageing locomotives, carriages, and a shortage of staff due to what experts say are poorly planned and delayed projects.

More than half the locomotives, carriages and freight wagons are over 20 years old, which affects railway's reliability.

Railway's fleet of 318 locomotives is far smaller than needed and 43 percent percent of it is over 40 years old. The shortage is so severe that the state-run transport agency has not been able to launch two new trains named and approved by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in December last year.

The crisis is only going to deepen because no new locomotive is likely to arrive in at least the next three years, officials said.

The Dhaka-Jashore rail line via the Padma Bridge is set to open in July, but BR is not likely to be able to fully utilise the expensive infrastructure due to lack of staff and carriages.

In 2023, the BR opened four new routes with a combined length of over 250km, but there is not enough trains to operate on the tracks.

Requesting anonymity, several BR officials said the government's main focus in recent years has been expansion of lines while procurement and maintenance of trains were neglected.

Since most of the BR's workshops and loco sheds are very old and lack staff, the regular maintenance and repair jobs take longer than usual, and the standard of work is subpar.

Amid Covid-19 pandemic and a few years prior to that, the BR suspended operations of at least 99 local, commuter and mail trains due to shortage of locomotives, carriages and staff. Very few of the services resumed after the pandemic.

Currently BR is implementing 32 projects of which deadline for 22 have been extended at least once. Some of the other 10 projects are also running behind schedule, BR documents show.

Deadlines for some projects were extended by over 10 years.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

Rajbari-Tungipara: A lone train operating on Tk 2,110cr line!

Bangladesh Railway had taken up a project in 2010 to bring Tungipara of Gopalganj under the railway network without carrying out any feasibility study.

www.thedailystar.net

Rajbari-Tungipara: A lone train operating on Tk 2,110cr line!
No feasibility study done for the project; 4 stations non-operational

Bangladesh Railway had taken up a project in 2010 to bring Tungipara of Gopalganj under the railway network without carrying out any feasibility study.

The project was completed in 2018, more than five years behind schedule, for Tk 2,110 crore. The cost was almost double the initial estimates. But the BR now operates only one passenger train on Gopalganj-Rajbari-Rajshahi route.

The railway authorities also could not make four stations in this section operational due to a lack of manpower. Several buildings construed for the railway staffers at those stations still remain unused, leading to their decay.

The Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the planning ministry made these observations in its recently published Impact Assessment Report on the project.

The project was taken up to revive a 75km old line and build a 32km new track at a cost of Tk 1,101.32 crore.

The IMED report said the contractors used oversised stones on the rail track, making the line risky. It also found that a lack of maintenance and unauthorised level crossings are increasing the risks of accidents.

Transport expert Prof Hadiuzzaman said taking up a project without a feasibility study is not a good example.

"It is not possible to know the traffic demand, best locations of stations and the best possible links with roads without a proper study. Investing such a huge amount in a project without a study is questionable," he told The Daily Star yesterday.

As the BR invested money without assessing the traffic demand, they are operating only one train now which is not bringing enough returns for their investment, said Hadiuzzaman, a professor of civil engineering at Buet.

The Tungipara Express, which was launched in 2019, operates from Gobra of Tungipara to Rajshahi via Rajbari.

The BR could have invested this money in other projects if a proper study was conducted beforehand, he said.

A proper study might have suggested that the project should be taken up a few years later, the expert observed.

THE PROJECT

The rail line from Kalukhali of Rajbari to Bhatiapara Ghat of Gopalganj was constructed in 1932 but the line became inoperative in 1997.

The government in 2010 approved a project to revive the 75.5km section and build 32.35km of lines between Kashiani and Gopalganj to bring Tungipara, the birthplace of the father of the nation, under the railway network.

The project was supposed to be completed by June 2013. But it was completed in December 2018 with 330 percent time extension and 91.61 percent cost escalation, shows IMED document.

The IMED report said that the project saw time and cost overruns as it was taken up without a feasibility study.

It also said that nine project directors oversaw the scheme and the frequent changes of PDs hindered its progress to some extent.

The IMED said the rail line is not being maintained properly. Five years have passed since the opening of the rail line, but the BR is yet to deploy waymen (track maintenance workers).

According to the report, three staff quarters were built at each of the five stations but those were degrading as those were unoccupied.

Also, four stations on Kashiani-Gopalganj-Tungipara route remain inoperative due to a lack of manpower.

The stones used on the rail line is 30 to 40 percent oversised and the amount of stones were not adequate, the report mentioned.

Contacted, BR Director General Sardar Shahadat Ali yesterday said he would not comment on the project as he was not the DG when it was taken up.

He said they have shortages of manpower, locomotives and carriages and that's why they cannot make all stations operational and operate more trains on the line.

Asked about the return on investment, he said, "It's true that we are not getting enough return on the investment now. But we will have the expected return when will be able to operate more trains. However, it may take some more time."​

 

[Saif]

Proper feasibility study a must for railway projects

That Bangladesh Railway (BR) has been a loss-incurring entity for almost a decade is not news.

www.thedailystar.net

Proper feasibility study a must for railway projects
Bangladesh Railway needs to stop wasting public money

Visual: Star

That Bangladesh Railway (BR) has been a loss-incurring entity for almost a decade is not news. Yet, it is difficult not to get flabbergasted by BR projects that not only squandered public money during the implementation phase, but continues to be a burden for taxpayers. The lone passenger train operating on the Rajshahi-Rajbari-Gopalganj route, which railway authorities extended to bring Tungipara, the birthplace of the father of the nation, under the railway network is one such example.

According to a report in this daily, the government approved this project in 2010 to revive a 75-kilometre old, inoperative line from Kalukhali of Rajbari to Bhatiapara Ghat of Gopalganj and build a 32-kilometre line from Kashiani to Gopalganj to connect Tungipara. The project was completed in 2018, five years behind schedule and with a huge cost overrun. Till date, it has failed to generate enough return on investment because only one train runs on the Tk-2,011-crore line.

Additionally, there was no monitoring or quality checks of the material used by the contractors, essentially making the line risky. Now four stations and several staff quarters built along the route remain unused and are falling into decay. A top railway official attributed the underutilisation to the shortage of manpower, locomotives and carriages, but failed to acknowledge the issue of low traffic demand on that route.

We have repeatedly called attention to irregularities, inefficiency and poor performance of the railway authorities in implementing viable and profitable projects, and ensuring proper maintenance of its physical assets and infrastructure. But no one has ever been held accountable for BR's continuous wastage of public funds. Around the world, railway, a mode of transport with a low carbon footprint, is witnessing a comeback. If we want to follow on that track, we must ensure pragmatic and judicious leadership at the BR.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Railway must be made accountable

Why is it continuously failing to finish projects on time and within budget?

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh Railway must be made accountable
Why is it continuously failing to finish projects on time and within budget?

VISUAL: STAR

It is frustrating to see yet another report highlighting the Bangladesh Railway's chronic failure to implement projects on time and within budget. Reportedly, 12 out of 13 projects completed by BR in fiscal year 2018-19 had their time extended, ranging up to nine and a half years, and costs increased as much as 260.81 percent. The details of these poorly executed projects seem irrelevant given how frequently this has been happening, thanks to a lack of transparency and accountability at the railway departments. No amount of criticism seems to have an effect on the relevant authorities. This is alarming.

Let us take the Dhaka-Tongi-Joydepur railway expansion project as an example. This was supposed to be completed in 2015, but physical work did not even begin until February 2019. The project's deadline is now set for June 2027, marking an unbelievable 12-year delay. Meanwhile, its cost has increased almost fourfold to Tk 3,342.55 crore. Reportedly, the project was initiated without any feasibility study or clearly defined work scope.

Another report found that in FY 2018-19, the East Zone of BR recorded a loss of more than Tk 11 crore while making purchases. There are allegations that it procured Tk 2 crore worth of materials from a vendor when the market price of those materials was just around Tk 18 lakh. We have also seen how BR's failure to buy 70 locomotives over 11 years has increased their cost by almost a thousand crore taka. This culture of poor execution causing inflated bills seems to be the overarching story of BR's development projects, which invariably suffer from delays in material supply, changes in project designs and work scopes, lack of proper feasibility study, shortage of manpower, procurement anomalies, budget extensions, etc.

Against this backdrop, between 2008-09 and 2022-23, the BR spent Tk 71,113 crore under the annual development programme (ADP). With this much money injected, how much return has it been able to provide so far? Very little. It continues to provide substandard services to passengers with outdated locomotives and frequent delays in trips. How long will this organisation, and those in charge of it, remain unaccountable? How long will the hard-earned money of taxpayers be spent in enabling corruption? We urge the authorities to institute a functional system of accountability at BR so that all projects are executed properly.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/bangladesh/br-suffers-operating-loss-of-tk-45m-a-day

BR suffers operating loss of Tk 45m a day
Suspension of all trains
Munima Sultana
Published :
Jul 30, 2024 09:35
Updated :
Jul 30, 2024 09:35

The Bangladesh Railway (BR) suffers an operating loss of estimated over Tk 45 million each day for keeping all passenger and cargo trains suspended since the quota reform movement turned violent on July 18.

The state-owned train operator runs 335 trains and 26 freight trains daily which managed revenue of Tk 17.50 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24.

Sources said as all train services except urgent fuel cargo have been suspended for the last 12 days, the BR's loss is estimated no less than Tk 540 million.

However, this time the train operator has to bear a demurrage of Tk 500 million for refunding money of all trains' tickets as the BR sells tickets 10 days before the schedule days.

"It means the loss of the state in railway sector this time for keeping trains totally off would be higher as the BR is never a profit-making entity," said an analyst.

The BR's net operating income which is always negative due to a huge gap in income and expenditure was Tk 17.56 billion as operating expense was Tk 28.67 billion against operating revenue of Tk 11.11 billion.

The general managers of the BR's two zones said during the last 12 days, the BR's fuel was only not needed but also its other expense like maintaining stations, office staff, signaling etc. needed to be maintained despite no train operation.

So, it cannot be assess easily the actual operating loss during the last 12 days, said the GM of Western Zone.

The BR had to keep its train services suspended highest over two months during the lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic. There no such example of keeping the trains totally off since the country's independence, said a senior railway official.

Railway Secretary Dr Humayun Ahmed said the government this time has decided to keep all trains off to ensure safety and security for the BR property and passengers.

"It is quite time consuming to buy railway equipment including carriages and locomotives. Not only time, those are expensive too and also the BR has severe shortage of these," he told the FE at his office.

According to the BR data, it has to maintain 3093 kilometre route and 4,438km track, 489 stations along with staff of nearly 26,000.

Around 60 per cent passengers of the BR are being carried by intercity trains which, the data, say over 91 per cent of the total earning of from passenger traffic. But the BR's passenger earning dropped from 61 per cent in 2019-2020 to 43.25 per cent in 2020-21.

Freight earning also varies as it was 21.81 per cent in 2019-2020 and 31.19 per cent in 2020-2021. Other earnings like lease and advertisement contributed 16 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.​

 

[Saif]

BR resumes all services today

The Bangladesh Railway (BR) restarts train services of all types today (Thursday) through operating intercity trains. The operation of all commuter, mail and local trains has gone on well over the past three days. Official sources said all 325 trains but four to five intercity express ones will r

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BR resumes all services today
FE REPORT
Published :
Aug 15, 2024 09:14
Updated :
Aug 15, 2024 09:29

The Bangladesh Railway (BR) restarts train services of all types today (Thursday) through operating intercity trains.

The operation of all commuter, mail and local trains has gone on well over the past three days.

Official sources said all 325 trains but four to five intercity express ones will run from today.

The suspended trains will undergo maintenance work.

Some coaches of Parabat Express and Jayantika Express were damaged and burnt by some unruly people during the countrywide quota-reform movement.

The BR operates 64 intercity express trains under the western zone and 54 trains under the eastern zone.

It halted all services sine die on July 18 but resumed partially on August 01 by operating commuter, local, and mail services on short distances.

But the state-owned rail operator once again suspended the services on August 03 as the student movement gathered tempo.

Sources, however, said six cross-country train services will remain suspended until further notice.

The officials said freight service of the BR has been running smoothly since its resumption.

On average, the BR operates 30 to 50 trains on demand to transport fuel and food grains daily.​

 

[Saif]

BR, metro rail at odds over Kamalapur space

The authorities of the Bangladesh Railway and the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited which operates metro rail in Dhaka are still at loggerheads over a space for DMTCL to construct a yard for its...

www.newagebd.net

BR, metro rail at odds over Kamalapur space
Shahin Akhter 05 October, 2024, 00:17

The authorities of the Bangladesh Railway and the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited which operates metro rail in Dhaka are still at loggerheads over a space for DMTCL to construct a yard for its MRT line 6 at the site of a multimodal transport hub proposed by railway authorities in the capital’s Kamalapur.

Bangladesh Railway officials alleged that DMTCL was planning to construct a yard at the proposed site of the hub without obtaining permission from railway authorities.

They said that the yard, if constructed, would affect the hub’s design.

The DMTCL officials, on the other hand, claimed that the yard was important for the smooth operation of mass transit line 6 that would touch Kamalapur.

They said that a decision regarding the yard was still pending.

DMTCL which operates metro rail in the capital is under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, while Bangladesh Railway is under the Ministry of Railways.

In 2013, the government formulated the National Integrated Multimodal Transport Policy aiming at developing the country’s transport sector by emphasising railways, waterways, and airways along with roads.

Kajima Corporation, a Japanese company, is now working at the planning stage of the Kamalapur Multimodal Transport Hub Project, a public-private partnership initiative, under the Japan-Bangladesh government-to-government venture to convert the station into a transport hub to provide maximum comfort and convenience to users.

The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in October 2018. A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the governments of Bangladesh and Japan in June 2017 in this connection.

Meanwhile, the services of the country’s first-ever electricity-powered elevated and air-conditioned rail system, MRT line 6, are now running on the 20.1-kilometre-long Uttara–Motijheel section.

Following an extension of another 1.16-kilometre, the services are scheduled to run up to Kamalapur from December 2025.

In 2020, Bangladesh Railway authorities opposed the design of the extended route of the MRT line-6 as they feared that the extended part would affect the design of the multimodal transport hub.

On November 24, 2020, the railway authorities reached a consensus with the DMTCL that the Kamalapur railway station would be relocated by demolishing its iconic architecture to make way for metro rail.

The relocation proposal, tabled by Kajima Corporation, was approved by the then Prime Minister’s Office on December 14, 2020.

In February this year, railway authorities informed the railways ministry that DMTCL was conducting a survey for building a 300-meter yard at Kamalapur without permission from Bangladesh Railway.

The Kamalapur Multimodal Transport Hub project director Al Fattah Md Masudur Rahman said that the yard for the metro rail was not necessary.

DMTCL was not given any approval to conduct any survey or begin any kind of work for their yard on Bangladesh Railway’s land.

He said that they had discussed with the consultants of DMTCL.

He said that Kajima Corporation vehemently opposed the plan of constructing the proposed yard as it would affect the hub project.

Al Fattah said that they had given DMTCL letters saying that they had no scope to give them space for the yard.

‘Still, they are holding meetings to get the space,’ he said, adding, ‘On September 4, at an inter-ministerial meeting at the road transport and bridges ministry, we protested against the DMTCL plan to construct the yard.’

The inter-ministerial meeting decided that technical officials would discuss the plan for building the yard at Kamlapur and the interim government’s adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, who oversees both the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, would take the final decision.

DMTCL managing director Mohammad Abdur Rouf told New Age on Tuesday that they sought permission from the railway but were yet to get any reply.

He said that the yard would be built for a smooth operation to keep at least two trains at night and build a scissors crossing for changing tracks.

The yard is necessary for people and technical reasons, he said.

‘We are awaiting a positive decision over the yard,’ he added.

The Revised Strategic Transport Plan 2015 proposed 21 multimodal and interchange stations in the districts of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Mankganj, Gazipur and Narsingdi.

As per the plan, there will be underground stations for mass rapid transit lines 1, 2 and 4, and the elevated station of the MRT line 6, said officials.

For the multimodal transport hub, Kajima Corporation has so far developed a pre-master plan.​

 

[Saif]

Drastic cut in costs of three railway megaprojects likely

Massive fund cuts are likely from three ongoing railway megaprojects as the incumbent interim government finds their bloated estimation done by the deposed Sheikh Hasina administration, officials said Tuesday. An amount of some Tk 91.00 billion is likely to be slashed from two of the proje

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Drastic cut in costs of three railway megaprojects likely
Interim govt finds costs bloated by billions of taka during deposed govt
FHM Humayan Kabir
Published :
Oct 09, 2024 00:27
Updated :
Oct 09, 2024 00:27

Massive fund cuts are likely from three ongoing railway megaprojects as the incumbent interim government finds their bloated estimation done by the deposed Sheikh Hasina administration, officials said Tuesday.

An amount of some Tk 91.00 billion is likely to be slashed from two of the projects and the estimation of another is being scrutinized, they said.

The Ministry of Railway (MoR) under the new custodian has already asked the Bangladesh Railway (BR) to rationalise the project estimation of the ongoing ones through trimming unusual costs from unnecessary components, said a ministry official.

"We have already asked the BR to review their ongoing projects and rationalize the costs. We hope we will get a picture within shorter period about our ongoing projects," Railway Secretary Abdul Baki told the FE.

The state-run rail-service provider is likely to cut about Tk 66 billion from the Dohazari-Rami-Cox's Bazar-Ghundhum railway project while some Tk 25 billion from the Padma rail-link construction project, BR officials said.

They are working to cut out the unnecessary components and the costs from the Japan-funded Jamuna rail-bridge construction project, too, they said.

A senior MoR official said the Sheikh Hasina government undertook some unnecessary projects and some were taken with staggering costs.

"We have started reviewing our ongoing projects. We will rationalize their costs and scope of works," says a BR official about the rightsizing of public-works projects in the changed political milieus of Bangladesh after the August student-people uprising.

The funds will mainly be cut from Tk180.34-billion-cost Dohazari-Cox's Bazar-Ramu-Ghundhum project as the BR has decided not to construct Ramu- to -Ghundum part of the proposed railway line.

Out of total Tk66 billion proposed cut from the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded rail-track project, some Tk 25.58 billion will be saved for not building the Ramu-Ghundum part while the remaining funds will be slashed from different other components of the project, said the MoR official.

The railway-service provider has already completed the Dohazar-Cox's Bazar-Ramu railway track-setting project. But the project timeline has already been extended up to June 2025.

The Railway has suspended work on the Ramu-Ghundhum portion of the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar rail link as getting any economic benefit through it amid the ongoing Rohingya crisis and absence of connections in the Myanmar side is uncertain, officials said.

No economic benefit will come from the Ramu-Ghundhum railway line as Bangladesh's relationship with Myanmar is not so good, they said.

According to the project office, they had cut some 28.75km between Ramu and Ghundhum under the project.

The BR started implementing the project in June 2010 to connect Cox's Bazar with the rail network along with the Trans-Asian Railway corridor. The ADB is lending Tk131.15 billion for the Tk180.34-billion project.

Besides, the BR is likely to slash Tk 25 billion from the China-funded Tk 392.47-billion -cost Padma rail- link project.

"While examining, we have found that the BR has kept aside more than Tk10 million for constructing Bhanga station alone which seems to be ambitious. So, we have asked the BR to review cost of all the components of the project," said another MoR official.

Meanwhile, the project was revised within two years as it was taken up at Tk 349.89 -billion cost. But the cost was raised to Tk392.46 billion and the deadline was extended up to June 2025 from the original timeline to June 2022.

The BR is now examining the Japan-funded ongoing Tk 167.81-billion Jamuna railway -link project.

The Sheikh Hasina government undertook the Jamuna Railway Bridge project in December 2016 at a cost of Tk97.34 billion. Later, it has been revised ramping up the cost to Tk 167.81 billion, following a two-year extension.

The MoR official said, "We are also reviewing all or ongoing 29 projects along with three mega ones."​

 

[Saif]

Costly railway workshop project proposal binned

The Planning Commission (PC) has turned down a fresh and costly railway workshop-construction project as it finds two other existing ones underutilised, officials said on Friday. The commission has recently sent back the Sheikh Hasina-led government's Tk 76.83-billion project proposal for "buildin

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Costly railway workshop project proposal binned
FHM Humayan Kabir
Published :
Oct 26, 2024 00:11
Updated :
Oct 26, 2024 00:11

The Planning Commission (PC) has turned down a fresh and costly railway workshop-construction project as it finds two other existing ones underutilised, officials said on Friday.

The commission has recently sent back the Sheikh Hasina-led government's Tk 76.83-billion project proposal for "building of a new carriage and wagon maintenance workshop in Rajbari", they said.

It has recommended the Bangladesh Railway (BR) for upgrading the existing two railway workshops in Saidpur of Nilphamari and Pahartoli of Chattogram.

The Ministry of Railway (MoR) has taken an initiative to upgrade the capacity of both the workshops through modernising its technical aspects in a bid to produce carriages.

"Currently, the workshops conduct maintenance work. Now, we have planned to modernise those aimed at assembling and producing rolling stocks," Railway Secretary Abdul Baki told the FE.

"We're discussing with some development partners for getting their support. We'll conduct sophisticated feasibility study first and then go for overhauling both the existing workshops," he said.

When asked about the fresh workshop setting up project in Rajbari, Mr Baki said they would modernise the existing two workshops first and then would think about the next one in the future if needed.

A senior PC official said: "The railway ministry sent a Tk 76.83-billion project proposal for building a fresh railway carriage and wagon workshop in Rajbari. We have sent it back to the ministry suggesting putting it on hold."

We had rather suggested that the ministry go for detailed feasibility on the existing two workshops in a bid to modernise their capacity, he added.

"More than century-old Saidpur workshop and Pahartoli workshop are very old and not well-equipped. So, the government's first priority is to modernise their facilities so that the workshop can even manufacture carriages for the country's railway fleet," said a member at the PC.

Bangladesh's existing two railway workshops have almost been lifeless due to lack of renovation and upgradation with modern equipment and facilities.

The country's oldest Saidpur Workshop was established in 1870 with a metre-gauge steam locomotive repair shed on a 110-acre land.

With the installation of plants and machines to repair metre- and broad-gauge carriage and wagon, the workshop became fully equipped in 1953. Since then, even after the emergence of Bangladesh, the workshop has seen no significant development. Moreover, downsizing its manpower started since 1991.

The Saidpur workshop is not merely a repair shed. More than 1,000 items of spare parts for carriage and wagon are manufactured at its separate sub-shops for boiler, smithy, foundry, and production engineering purposes.

The workshop even can manufacture spare parts and tools, saving millions of taka every year.

The BR under a Tk 1.22-billion cost project (phase-1) has already modernised the Saidpur railway workshop. The project was implemented between March 2009 and June 20213.

In 1947, Pahartali workshop was establishment in the BR's eastern zone for repair, maintenance and renovate of the wagons and carriages.

But, its machinery became outdated in course of time. As a result, the ramshackle state has been hampering the maintenance works.

Pahartali carriage and wagon repair workshop had also been modernised spending Tk2.17 billion cost in June 2017.

Divisional Superintendent (workshop) Mostafa Zakir Hassan of the Saidpur Workshop told the FE that there will be feasibility study before taking up the modernisation of their workshop.

"Actually the ministry is working on it. After a feasibility study they will take up a project to upgrade the capacity of the workshop."

Currently, the Saidpur workshop is running with lower number of manpower and do not have mode and adequate facility for assembling rolling stocks, Mr Mostafa said.​

 

[Saif]

Potential of railway needs to be unlocked

THE Bangladesh Railway has not been able to provide satisfactory services because of its inefficiency and negligence. It inefficiency was evident on October 25, when thousands of passengers had to wait for hours at the Kamalapur railway station after the derailed compartments of an intercity...

www.newagebd.net

Potential of railway needs to be unlocked
27 October, 2024, 00:00

THE Bangladesh Railway has not been able to provide satisfactory services because of its inefficiency and negligence. It inefficiency was evident on October 25, when thousands of passengers had to wait for hours at the Kamalapur railway station after the derailed compartments of an intercity train had damaged the signalling system. Train communication between Dhaka and outlying areas stopped immediately after six compartments of the Panchagarh Express had derailed, causing the collapse of the railway’s automatic signalling system. The collapse of the system eventually delayed all trains from the station and the railway authorities were uncertain when they would be able to restore the system. The failure to promptly repair the signalling system disrupted schedules of more than 40 intercity trains and caused immense sufferings to about 33,000 passengers who travel from Dhaka daily. As the Panchagarh Express was moving at a slow speed when it derailed, there were no reported injuries. It is, however, still an accident that the authorities need to investigate. They should also establish the reasons for the failure to promptly restore the signalling system.

The inefficiency and mismanagement in railway management is a widely reported public concern. In May, the daily operations performance report of the railway said that of 2,016 carriages, 46 per cent are in operation, but their shelf life has expired long ago. The major railways are also in a state of disrepair. There are 28 major projects worth Tk 1,40,109.78 crore under way for the railway development. The projects are, however, slow in implementation. Since 1947, successive governments have invested inadequately in the expansion of the railway infrastructure. It is, therefore, not surprising that the railway has become accident-prone, its resources are depleted and its land is occupied. The erratic train schedule, declining customer care and lopsided investments in the road transport sector have made many stations non-operational. Recurring accidents and the current state of the railway show the government’s prolonged negligence to the sector. In 2005–2020, 419 people died and more than 2,000 became wounded in 4,914 train accidents. A majority of the accidents took place on unattended level crossings. The railway authorities acknowledge the problem but consider recruiting staff for all level crossings to be economically burdensome for an agency that incurs losses.

Despite its decrepit state, the railway plays an indispensable role in transport and travel. The potential of the railway, therefore, needs to be unlocked through planned investment in railways, signalling, rolling stock, maintenance and human resources. The government should take the initiative to prepare a long-term master plan to guide the overall development of the railway in the foreseeable future. It is high time that the government recognised the importance of the sector and made policy changes, prioritising the sector so that the railway can play its full role.​

 

[Saif]

BR must boost emergency response mechanism

Rail services across the country were severely disrupted after the derailment of the Panchagarh Express near Dhaka Railway Station in the early hours of Friday. The incident occurred when the Panchagarh Express derailed shortly after departing from Kamalapur Railway Station, causing six compartment

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BR must boost emergency response mechanism
FE
Published :
Oct 27, 2024 22:03
Updated :
Oct 27, 2024 22:03

Rail services across the country were severely disrupted after the derailment of the Panchagarh Express near Dhaka Railway Station in the early hours of Friday. The incident occurred when the Panchagarh Express derailed shortly after departing from Kamalapur Railway Station, causing six compartments to veer off the track. Fortunately, the train was moving slowly at the time of the accident and averted a major disaster. The derailment, however, led to a complete breakdown of the signalling system, disrupting rail communications between Dhaka and the rest of the country. It took no less than eight hours to restore rail operation, but the ripple effect of schedule disruptions continued till Saturday, with several trains departing five to seven hours behind schedule and passengers suffering immeasurably. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. But the question is, the derailment occurred at a critical junction of the rail network in Dhaka, not in a remote area. So why did it take so long to restore normal train operations?

The incident has once again exposed the severe shortcomings of Bangladesh Railway (BR)'s emergency rescue mechanisms in case of train mishaps. Despite substantial investments in the sector, service quality, safety, and accident response remain far from adequate. Moreover, the prolonged schedule disruption caused by the derailment and passengers' sufferings at the stations highlight the lack of efficient emergency response mechanisms. To mitigate the suffering caused by schedule disruptions, the railway authorities should promptly communicate the revised schedules to passengers through various channels, including SMS, email, and social media. This would allow passengers to plan their journeys accordingly, reducing unnecessary waiting times at stations. Unfortunately, the railway authorities often fail to provide timely information, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. Even the information displayed at stations is often inaccurate. Why does the railway authority seem so indifferent to the suffering of passengers? As one of the primary modes of transport for millions, the railway ought to be operated more professionally and efficiently.

The centuries-old Bangladesh Railway is still considered one of the safest and highly environment-friendly means of mass transportation. But in recent years, frequent derailments and accidents have become a cause for concern. The deteriorating condition of rail tracks and sleepers is the main causes of train accidents. Besides, according to a report, over half of the country's 3,000 km rail network is in a perilous state due to poor infrastructure, insufficient track ballast, and erosion of soil beneath the track. According to Bangladesh Railway's own findings, deteriorating tracks and dilapidated bridges cause approximately 63 per cent of all rail accidents. This critical infrastructure suffers from a lack of proper maintenance, putting the lives of passengers constantly at risk. The findings also reveal widespread rusting of iron sleepers, broken and rotten wooden sleepers, missing joint clips, and loosened nuts and bolts, with many connection points completely detached. Such chronic failures in proper maintenance not only raise the risk of accidents but also cause significant delays in train operations.

A general apathy is noticeable despite some ambitious initiatives taken to expand and improve the rail service. If corruption and mismanagement are not addressed, and infrastructure - including tracks, bridges, engines, and coaches - is not properly maintained and modernised, the cycle of railway accidents and passenger suffering will continue. A lot, therefore, will depend on the professional integrity of the people responsible for managing the BR affairs. It is time the authorities concerned took a serious look into the matter and put Bangladesh Railway back on track.
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[Saif]

BR plans expansion of services to Khulna, Jashore

Likely to start Dhaka-Jashore trains via Padma Bridge from mid November

www.thedailystar.net

BR plans expansion of services to Khulna, Jashore
Likely to start Dhaka-Jashore trains via Padma Bridge from mid November

Bangladesh Railway is planning to increase trips on the Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Jashore routes as the Dhaka-Jashore rail line via Padma Bridge is likely to be opened in mid-November.

The 179-km line is expected to be opened any time after November 15 in a big boost to rail connectivity between Dhaka and the country's south-western region.

Upon inspection of the line from Bhanga to Jashore last month, the government inspector of Bangladesh Railway (GIBR) has given report and the project authority is now finishing tasks as per the GIBR's comments.

Any new rail line needs to get a nod from the GIBR before launching operations.

"The entire line will be ready for operation by November 15 and we hope that the line will be opened in between November 15 and 20," Project Director Afzal Hossain told The Daily Star today.

Railways sources said unlike during the previous Awami League government, there would no major programme marking the opening of the line and even the chief adviser may not join the programme.

So, the railway ministry's adviser will fix the date, they said.

Once the rail line becomes functional, the distance between Dhaka and Jashore will decrease by 200km from the existing route, cutting the travel time in half. Currently, it takes over eight hours to reach Jashore.

Bangladesh Railway (BR) is constructing the 169-km broad-gauge single-line from Dhaka to Jashore via Padma Bridge at a cost of Tk 39,247 crore.

The project named Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is the biggest project for BR in terms of cost, over half of which is being provided by China as a loan.

The original deadline for the project was June 2022 and the latest deadline was June this year.

The Dhaka-Bhanga section of the line was opened in October last year and five trains are being operated through this section. The project tenure has already been extended up to June 2025.

MORE TRAINS ON SOUTH-WESTERN ROUTES

BR is now preparing its next timetable (No-54) -- a book containing detailed schedules and timing of all trains -- and the timetable will have timing of some new trains to be launched on the south-western routes.

BR official yesterday held a meeting over the issues.

Contacted, BR's Director General Sardar Shahadat Ali said they were preparing the next timetable keeping the new Dhaka-Jashore line in mind.

"We are planning to increase trains on the Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka Jashore routes," he told The Daily Star today.

He said Sundarban Express is now being operated (up and down) via the Padma Bridge-Bhanga-Faridpur-Poradah-Jashore-Khulna route.

Once the Dhaka-Jashore line is opened, they will increase the trips of the Sundarban Express. The inter-city train will leave Dhaka for Khulna twice daily and from Khulna to Dhaka twice per day as the running time between Dhaka and Khulna will be around four hours, he said.

Besides, the Benapole Express is now being run via Padma Bridge-Bhanga-Faridpur-Poradah-Jashore route. "We are planning to add another train on this route," he said.

He said they will increase the number of trains on other routes via the Padma Bridge gradually.

BR sources said they may not able be to reap the full benefit of the expensive project soon mainly due to shortages of manpower and carriages.

According to the feasibility study of the project, at least 24 pairs of trains can be operated on the line daily once the entire 169km line is opened. But BR may not launch the expected number of trains on the routes via Padma Bridge due to lack of locomotives and manpower, they said.

Asked about the possible date of opening the line, the BR DG said they hoped the line will be opened any time after mid-November.​

 

[Saif]

Railways adviser for streamlining train’s e-ticketing system

Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Tuesday asked the Bangladesh Railway to streamline its e-ticketing system to make it more transparent and passenger-friendly. “We will bring some changes in the online train ticketing system and also enhance the facility for train passengers,&rd

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Railways adviser for streamlining train’s e-ticketing system
FE Online Desk
Published :
Oct 29, 2024 20:52
Updated :
Oct 29, 2024 20:52

Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Tuesday asked the Bangladesh Railway to streamline its e-ticketing system to make it more transparent and passenger-friendly.

“We will bring some changes in the online train ticketing system and also enhance the facility for train passengers,” he said while addressing a press briefing on Bangladesh Railway Route Rationalization and Transparency and Accountability on E-Ticketing Management at his ministry conference room.

Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Abdul Baki, Director General of Bangladesh Railway (BR) Md Sardar Shahadat Ali and officials of the ministry and BR were present at the meeting, BSS reports.

Fouzul Kabir Khan said that the passengers should be satisfied with getting tickets and traveling by train, adding, “Arrangements should be made so that passengers can buy tickets easily.

How satisfied the passengers are with the ticket purchase process is important. In many cases, passengers are disappointed as they do not get tickets for their desired destination online.”

In that case, arrangements should be ensured so that passengers can get tickets automatically on the search option, he added. In this regard, if necessary, steps will have to be taken to consult with experts outside the railways, he said.

During the presentation ceremony, executive director of Chaldal Wasim Ali, Dr Fizar Ahmed and Anika Zara from Daffodil University were present and described various issues.

The adviser said the instruction was given to ‘Sohoz’ associate of the online ticketing system to ensure the availability of ticket from everywhere.

About the issue, ‘Sohoz’ assured that everything will be solved within the next two or three days.

The advisor said, “It was seen that tickets were not available online. But tickets were available in the black market for Taka 200 or Taka 300.”

He said that stern action will be taken if anyone’s involvement is found in ticket black marketing.

Replying to a question about the shortage of locomotives, he said, “We don't have enough locomotives and coaches. We are working on it.”​