[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Railway

[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.
​

 

[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.”​

 

[Saif]

Train ops on Dhaka-Jashore route via Padma likely from Dec 1

The 169-km line from Dhaka to Jashore will cut short the travel time by a half

www.thedailystar.net

Train ops on Dhaka-Jashore route via Padma likely from Dec 1
The 169-km line from Dhaka to Jashore will cut short the travel time by a half

Bangladesh Railway (BR) is likely to launch the commercial operation of trains on Dhaka-Jashore route via the Padma Bridge from December 1, ending a long-wait for the shorter route between the capital and the south western regions.

"We will carry out final trial on this route [Bhanga-Jashore] on November 21 and 22 and commercial operation is likely to start from December 1," Project Director Afzal Hossain told The Daily Star tonight.

The Railways Ministry Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan is expected to inaugurate the service with a new train on Dhaka-Khulna route on that day, Afzal said.

He said the 169-km line from Dhaka to Jashore will cut short the travel time by a half. It takes around eight hours to reach Khulna while it would take around four hours after the launching of the line, he said.

It would take around three and a half hours to reach Jashore which currently takes more than seven hours, he added.

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.

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.

Talking to The Daily Star on October 29, 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 on that day.

BR sources said they were planning to launch a new train on Dhaka-Khulna route for an up-and-down trip daily.

With the same train, they will give up-and-down trip on Dhaka-Jashore route daily.

The Khulna-bound Sundarban Express and Benapole-bound Benapole Express will run as usual. These two trains will continue to operate via the Padma Bridge-Bhanga-Faridpur-Poradah route.

Earlier, route change of these two trains were in discussion. However, the railway authorities may not change the route considering possible people's protest from Rajbari and Kushita, sources said.

BR is expected to increase the number of trains after opening of the new line gradually.

But, 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.​

 

[Bilal9]

Bhanga Railway Junction construction status