Since the inception of the Awami League government in 2009, a total of 93 new railway projects have been initiated, with 89 of them completed. Additionally, the metro rail project is actively underway to alleviate congestion in Dhaka city
The Bangladesh Railway, traditionally divided into eastern and western regions, is undergoing a restructuring to improve passenger service and expand the rail network. The Ministry of Railways has decided to create four distinct regions on December 5, 2023, in a meeting. The West Zone will be divided, forming a new southern zone with Khulna and Greater Faridpur. Dhaka and Mymensingh will be separated from the East Zone to establish a new central region. Sylhet will become the operating division for the East Zone. The restructuring aims to align rail with development goals and enhance convenience for the people. Four general managers will lead the regions, with a divisional railway manager overseeing management departments. The railway network, currently 3,093.38 kilometers, is set to expand to around 4,700 kilometers in the future.
Railway Restructuring in Bangladesh
On December 5, 2023, the Ministry of Railways opted to reorganize the current framework, dividing Bangladesh Railway into four distinct regions. These recent developments have been undertaken to enhance the quality of passenger services and expand the rail network. The Bangladesh Railway is traditionally organized into eastern and western regions covering multiple administrative divisions. This restructuring, aligned with the prime minister’s directive in 2014, aims at future development and convenience for the people.
You Can Also Read: Bangladesh railway to introduce ambulance service
As part of the restructuring, the West Zone, previously encompassing Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Greater Faridpur districts, will be split. Khulna and Greater Faridpur will constitute a new southern zone, with Jessore and Faridpur as administrative divisions under this emerging zone.
Simultaneously, Dhaka and Mymensingh will be separated from the existing East Zone, comprising Chittagong, Sylhet, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions, to establish a new central region with Dhaka and Mymensingh as its administrative divisions.
Sylhet is proposed as the new operating division following the removal of Dhaka Division from the East Zone. The West Zone, consisting of Rajshahi and Rangpur, will undergo adjustments, with Pakshi and Lalmonirhat administrative divisions remaining unchanged.
The director general of Bangladesh Railway has directed the submission of a comprehensive proposal, including jurisdiction and manpower details for the newly proposed departments, to the Ministry of Railways.
Under the new structure, four general managers will lead the four regions, and a divisional railway manager will oversee the management departments. The entire manpower structure of the railways will undergo a comprehensive overhaul, delegating train management decisions to regions and divisions, while policy-making matters will be addressed by both the railway headquarters and officials.
“The division of railways into four regions aligns with the prime minister’s directive to augment the railway network, especially passenger services.”
-Nurul Islam Sujan, Railway Minister
Presently, Bangladesh boasts a railway network spanning 3,093.38 kilometers, with 1,333.93 kilometers in the East Zone and 1,759.45 kilometers in the West Zone. The implementation of the existing master plan is poised to elevate the railway network to approximately 4,700 kilometers in the future.
Bangladesh Railway: 1862-2023 Journey
Established in 1862 during British rule, Bangladesh Railway has played a crucial role in the nation’s transportation history. Originally known as the Eastern Bengal Railway, it began with a 53-mile track connecting Dorshona and Jagati. Over the years, the railway network expanded, contributing to economic development and connectivity. Post-independence in 1971, Bangladesh Railway underwent modernization efforts. The sector witnessed significant growth with the introduction of new routes, upgraded infrastructure, and improved services. The construction of the Jamuna Bridge in the ’90s further enhanced connectivity between the eastern and western parts of the country.
In recent years, Bangladesh Railway has embraced technology, introduced online ticketing systems and upgrading signaling systems. The network continues to be a vital mode of transportation, facilitating both passenger and freight services. As of 2023, Bangladesh Railway stands as a symbol of progress, bridging distances and fostering socio-economic development in the nation.
Bangladesh Railway, the second-largest railway network in South Asia, spans 3,093.39 kilometers of track and handles approximately 1,800 trains daily. This crucial transportation system serves around 110 million passengers annually, and recent enhancements to coaches, locomotives, and management systems have significantly improved passenger comfort and services. These upgrades align with Bangladesh’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2041.
Since the inception of the Awami League government in 2009, a total of 93 new railway projects have been initiated, with 89 of them completed. Additionally, the metro rail project is actively underway to alleviate congestion in Dhaka city.
Bangladesh Railway is implementing a Master Plan for the years 2016-2045, to establish connections between Dhaka and various regions such as Cox’s Bazar, Mongla Seaport, Tungipara, Barisal, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and other parts of the nation. The comprehensive master plan involves the execution of 230 projects, totaling Tk5,50,000 crore in six phases. It encompasses 15 corridors, all slated to be fully operational by 2045.
The ongoing construction of the double-track dual-gauge railway bridge over the river Jamuna has achieved a notable progress rate of 40%. Simultaneously, the construction of the single-line dual-gauge track linking Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu, and extending from Ramu to Gundum near the Myanmar border, has reached an impressive completion rate of 71%.
The Khulna-Mongla Port railway line, inaugurated through a virtual ceremony on November 1 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, is swiftly approaching its final stages, boasting an impressive 90% completion rate. Additionally, the imminent completion of the Rupsha Rail Bridge signifies a significant milestone in the development of railway infrastructure.
In conclusion, the recent restructuring of Bangladesh Railway into four regions, as of December 5, 2023, marks a strategic move aligned with the government’s commitment to enhance the rail network and passenger services. This transformative step, rooted in a historical journey dating back to 1862, reflects the railway’s ongoing evolution, embracing technological advancements and ambitious master plans. As Bangladesh Railway expands towards a future of increased connectivity and development, it continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s progress and socio-economic growth.
