Staff Reporter:
The government has announced plans to overhaul Bangladesh Railway, stating it no longer wants the state-run transport agency to operate as a loss-making institution.
Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a meeting with senior officials of the railways ministry and Bangladesh Railway at Rail Bhaban in the capital.
The minister said the railway system must be comprehensively restructured to reduce financial losses and transform it into a profitable, service-oriented organization, according to a press release.
He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed special importance on the development of the railway sector and on improving the quality of passenger services.
Referring to the BNP’s manifesto in the 13th parliamentary election, he said the party had pledged to revive the railway as the backbone of the country’s national transport network.
According to the minister, the prime minister has also issued specific directives to prevent ticket black marketing, combat corruption, and enhance passenger service standards.
With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, the minister instructed officials to ensure safe, smooth, and hassle-free train journeys for passengers during the holiday period.
He further directed authorities to prepare, within 180 days, a practical action plan to implement the feasible commitments outlined in the election manifesto.
In addition, he asked officials to identify within one week ways to reduce travel time on the Dhaka–Chattogram route and to take appropriate measures accordingly.
State Ministers Habibur Rashid, and Md Rajib Ahsan, attended the meeting as special guests.
The meeting was chaired by railways ministry Secretary Md Fahimul Islam and was attended by Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md Afzal Hossain, along with other senior officials of the ministry and the railway.
