At least 15 new trains will be introduced on separate routes across the country in order to facilitate more people to enjoy safe and comfortable journeys.
Besides, five more trains, now in service, will get fresh locomotives, sources in the railway ministry said. In this regard, the government is going to take 20 locomotives on lease from neighbouring India this year.
Bangladesh Railways (BR) ministry information showed, this year 220 new latest passenger coaches will be bought, and with these, the railway is looking forward to introducing 15 new train services. This was also a promise from the Railways Minister, Md Nurul Islam Sujan. He said that they are working to introduce new and secure passenger train services.
Railways ministry information showed, within the next few months, the authority will introduce two high speed train services on the Dhaka-Benapole routes, and at the same time, the authority is also trying to operate Dhaka-Sylhet, Sylhet-Chattogram, three new trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram routes. BR will also introduce four new train services from Dhaka to Jamalpur.
In addition, once the new 200 meter gauge passenger coaches are added to the railway fleet, old and weaker coaches of Dhaka-Sylhet, Sylhet-Chattogram and Dhaka-Chattogram routes will be modernized. To this end, the railways minister said, depending on arrival of passenger coaches, we will introduce new train services soon. Once service is introduced, BR will offer secure and comfortable train service to passengers.
As most of the existing locomotives have crossed their economic lifespan, it is essential to get new locomotives; the ministry has taken steps to bring 20 locomotives from India, each at the cost of Tk 30000 a day.
To this regard, both Bangladesh and Indian railways have had a couple of meetings; the railway ministry source confirmed. Besides, the government has also ordered import of new locomotives from South Korea and other countries. Once these locomotives reach the country by 2020, the engines on lease will be returned to India.
There is a 2929-kilometer rail network in both eastern and western region under the railways. The authority operates 352 passenger trains with only 273 locomotives, which is less than the demand with the rising passenger services. Most of the existing locomotives have crossed their economic life span.
In this very situation, introducing new passenger services with existing trains has become essential for the Bangladesh Railways.
Railways Secretary Md Mofazzal Hossain told Bangladesh Post that they have introduced Banatala Express, as per their plan. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate another train service from Dhaka to Panchagarh on May 25/26,” he said. “We are acquiring 250 new passenger coaches, 30 of which have already arrived and are being used on these routes,” he said, adding, “The remaining coaches will arrive soon.” “Besides, we are also collecting 70 locomotives, which will arrive in phases of 20, 10 and 40. When these locomotives and coaches will arrive, BR will be able to provide better services,” he added.
