Bangladesh Railway is going through a reform process to restructure into more commercially oriented organization in combination with substantial stocks, signaling system, maintenance and technical modernizations.
Railway transport is one of the two main land-based transport modes in Bangladesh; the other is road transport. Railways are inherently more environmentally efficient than road transport – railways produce less greenhouse gas, require less fuel and less land per unit of operation. Even with these greater efficiencies, railway operations employ more people than roads, adding to the economic impact of transport activities and providing sustenance for more families. For sustainable development, the choices of appropriate transport options, especially for mass transportation is essential for a country’s future and development.Bangladesh Railway (BR) was instrumental in development of the country and continues to provide important social services to the nation as it grows.
Bangladesh Railway inherited a number of structural and physical weaknesses as a part of its legacy, since it was not specially designed and constructed to serve the present Bangladesh.
” Gauge difference between East and West zone.
” Missing links and overall deteriorated rail network.
” Poor multimodal transport and logistics facilities.
“Acute shortage of rolling stocks.
” Less priority and minimal investment over decades.
“Policy constraints.
Bangladesh Railway is going through a reform process to restructure into more commercially oriented organization in combination with substantial stocks, signaling system, maintenance and technical modernizations.
Vision of Bangladesh Railway (BR) is to provide safe,reliable,cost effective and time efficient rail transport service in the country through modernizing,expanding & maintaining rail system in a manner which supports government strategies for economic,social & environmental development.
To achieve the vision it is realized that a time-bound strategy is required to efficiently plan and implement infrastructure projects. According to 30 years Masterplan (2016-2045) key strategies to be implemented are as under:
” A timebound gauge conversion projects
” Construction of double line in major corridors.
” Establishment of Regional and Sub-regional connectivity by railway.
” Construction of New Rail Lines
” Procurement of Rolling Stock of suitable type in adequate quantity.
” Increasing Line Capacity through Signalling and Telecommunications
” Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Track
” Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Rolling Stock
” Procurement of Mechanized Track Maintenance (MTM) equipment and establishment of MTM unit including MTM workshop.
” Establishment of Research Development and Standardization (RDS) unit.
Coping up with the strategies Bangladesh Railway implemented several projects in last ten years. 39 projects are under implementation at present. Some are in pipeline. Completed, on-going and future projects in west zone will fulfill the following activities:
” Gauge conversion
” Construction of double line
” Establishment of Regional and Sub-regional connectivity by railway.
” Construction of New Rail Lines
” Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Track.
2. Projects Already Implemented
2.1 Rehabilitation of Lalmonirhat-Burimari Section of Bangladesh Railway
Objectives:
The main objective of the project was to rehabilitate Lalmonirhat-Burimari section (main line 85 Km. & loop line 10 km) to ensure safe and speedy movement of Passenger and Goods Train.
Project Cost : Taka 17314.70 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 July 2007 to 31 December 2013
Output of the Project :
Before implementation of the project track of the mentioned sections were in a deplorable condition consisting of 60 lb rail with wear tear of more than 15%, 60-70% unserviceable wooden sleeper & zero ballast cushion and nonstandard embankment. The condition of station buildings and some bridges were remarkably bad. Train communication was being continued by imposing speed restriction (15 Kmph). The rate of accident was high which endangered safety to the passengers. In instance, during March 2005 – March 2006, 83 accidents occurred in this section for which 115 pairs of train were cancelled. As such revenue earning was badly hampered.
After implementation of the project train operates at a sectional speed of 65 kmph. Number of trains has been increasedto 12 in place of 4 nos. No derailment happened yet. Revenue earning increased remarkably.
2.2 Rehabilitation of Rajshahi- Rohanpur Border and Amnura-Chapainawabganj Section of Bangladesh Railway
Objectives:
The main objective of this project was to rehabilitate Rajshahi-Rohanpur Border and Amnura-Chapainawabganj Section (main line 85 Km. & loop line 07 Km) of Bangladesh Railway to ensure safe and speedy movement of passenger and goods train.
Project Cost : Taka 14898.34Lac
Implementation Period : 01 July 2007 to 31 December 2013
Output of the Project :
Before implementation of the project track of the mentioned sections were in a deplorable condition consisting of 90 lb BSS rail with wear tear of 12%, 70-75% unserviceable wooden sleeper & zero ballast cushion and nonstandard embankment. The condition of station buildings and some bridges were remarkably bad. Train communication was being continued by imposing speed restriction (20 Kmph). The rate of accident was high which endangered safety to the passengers. People became discouraged to travel by train and transport goods & parcel by railway.
After implementation of the project train operates at a sectional speed of 80 kmph. Number of trains has been increased to 18 in place of 4 nos. No derailment happened yet. Revenue earning increased remarkably.
2.3 Rehabilitation of Saidpur-Chilahati Section of Bangladesh Railway
Objectives:
The main objective of the project was to rehabilitate of Saidpur-Chilahati section (52.2 KM. main line& 7.2 Km. loop line: Total 59.40 KM) of Bangladesh Railway in order to-
” Ensure safety of running train.
” Increase line capacity & sectional speed.
” Reduce journey time.
” Increase operating facilities at different yards & stations.
” Improve passenger amenities.
Project Cost : Taka 18163.94Lac
Implementation Period : 01 January 2010 to 30 June 2015
Output of the Project :
Before implementation of the project track of the mentioned sections were in a deplorable condition consisting of 90 BS rail with wear tear of more than 12%, 60-70% unserviceable wooden sleeper &50 mm ballast cushion and nonstandard embankment. The condition of station buildings and some bridges were remarkably bad. Train communication was being continued by imposing speed restriction (30Kmph). The rate of accident was high which endangered safety to the passengers. As such revenue earning was badly hampered.
After implementation of the project train operates at a sectional speed of 80kmph. Number of trains has been increased to 14 in place of 4 nos. No derailment happened yet. Revenue earning increased remarkably.
2.4 Rehabilitation of Kalukhali-Bhatiapara section of Bangladesh Railway and Construction of new railway line from Kashiani to Tungipara via Gopalganj.
Objectives:
” Re-opening of Kalukhali-Bhatiapara closed section of Bangladesh Railway through rehabilitation.
” To link up TungiparaUpazila, famous as the birth and burial place of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the existing railway network by establishing rail line from Kashiani to Tungipara via Gopalganj.
” To provide safe, comfortable, low-cost and eco-friendly transportation facilities to local people.
Project Cost : Taka 203546.09 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 October 2010 to 31 December 2018
Output of the Project :
Before implementation of the projectKalukhali – Bhatiapara section was closed to traffic since 1998. After implementation of the project, 75.50 km Kalukhali-Bhatiapara section has been reopened and a new railway connectivity (43.05 km) has been established from Kasiani to Gobra via Gopalganj. Now 2 (two) passenger trains are being operated. Sectional speed is 80 kmph.
2.5 Rehabilitation and Construction of railway line from Pachuria to Bhanga via Faridpur.
Objectives:
The main objectives of the project were to rehabilitate the Pachuria-Faridpur-Pukuria section to connect with the Trans-Padma Rail Corridor and to construct a new railway line from Pukuria to Bhanga. Besides, other objectives were:
” To ensure seamless transportation of Fuel oil for Faridpur power Plant.
” To provide safe, comfortable, low-cost and eco-friendly transportation facilities to local people.
Project Cost : Taka 33899.88Lac
Implementation Period : 01 July 2010 to 30 June 2019
Output of the Project :
Before implementation of the projectPahuria-Faridpur-Bhanga section was closed to traffic since 1996. After implementation of the project, 55.80 km Pahuria-Faridpur-Bhanga section has been reopened. Now 4 (four) passenger trains are being operated daily. Several freight trains are also operated. Sectional speed is 80 kmph.
2.6 Construction of new Broad Gauge Rail Line from Ishwardi to DhalarchorViaPabna
Objectives:
” Connecting the project area with the existing railway network through construction of 78.80 km new rail line from Ishwardi to Dhalarchar via Pabna and enhancing the facilities for passenger movement and freight transport.
” Establishment of alternative railway for Trans-Asian railway and regional connectivity.
Project Cost : Taka 171473.76 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 October 2010 to 30 June 2019
Output of the Project :
Before implementation of the project Pahuria-Faridpur-Bhanga section was closed to traffic since 1996. After implementation of the project, 55.80 km Pahuria-Faridpur-Bhanga section has been reopened. Now 4 (four) passenger trains are being operated daily. Several freight trains are also operated. Sectional speed is 80 kmph.
2.7 Remodeling of Khulna Railway Station & Yard and Development of Operational Facilities of Benapole Railway Station
Objectives:
The main objective of the project was to construct remodelled Khulna railway station building and other ancillary structures and also to rehabilitate Benapole railway station with modern interchange facilites.
Project Cost : Taka 8554.15 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 July2007 to 31December 2018
Output of the Project :
” Safety and Amenities of passengers has been ensured.
” Operational facilitieshave been improved.
” Interchange facility of Benapole station has been uplifted.
2.8 Conversion of Meter Gauge (MG) Track into Dual Gauge (DG) on Parbatipur-Kanchan-Panchagarh& Kanchan-Birol section and MG track into Broad Gauge (BG) on Birol station-Birol Border section of Bangladesh Railway. (Completed)
Objectives:
The main objective of the project was to convert existing Meter Gauge (MG) track on Parbatipur-Kanchan-Panchagarh (133 km) & Kanchan-Birol Section (6km) into Dual Gauge (DG) and convert Birol Station-Birol Border Section (9km) into Broad Gauge (BG) of Bangladesh Railway in order to-
” Withdrawal of speed restriction and substantial reduction of journey time.
” Provide seamless connectivity with broad gauge network of Bangladesh Railway.
” Provide safe, speedy and comfortable journey of both meter gauge & broad gauge trains.
” Restore connectivity with regional traffic and open up an opportunity to transport cross-border traffic under the spirit of SAARC.
” Connect a missing link of Trans-Asian Railway Network in Bangladesh through Radhikapur (India) and Birol (Bangladesh).
Project Cost : Taka 105113.15 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 February 2009 to 30 June 2017
Output of the Project :
Passengers are getting benefit of safe and speedy running of Trains ensuring punctuality. So, Revenue earning of B.R in respect of passengers & Goods movement has been increased. Before implementation of the project there was running train with 30 kmph. But after completion of the project trains are running on Railway Track with capability of speed 80 kmph.
Smooth and safe movement Train increased the institutional efficiency and productivity of Bangladesh Railway resulting business facilities. Peoples of the section including Women & Childs are getting indirect benefit from safe & comfortable mode of transport also.
After completion of the project, increased 08 nos. of trains is running with higher speed. So, long term employment generated, resulting poverty alleviation linking with the strategy of the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh. As a result, there exists indirect contribution for reduction of poverty.
3. Projects under Implementation
3.1 Construction of Double Line Track between Khulna-Darsana Junction section of Bangladesh Railway.
Objectives:
The main objective of the project is to enhance transportation capacity in the Dhaka-Khulna and Khulna-Chilahati corridor of Bangladesh Railway (BR) in order to create sufficient capacity to meet national, regional and International traffic demand in a sustainable and environment friendly manner.
The project aims to construct 126.25 Km Khulna-Darsana Junction double line track for achieving the following targets:
” To improve operating facilities by increasing line capacity.
” To run goods and passenger trains in minimum time by avoiding crossings of trains in different stations.
” To introduce more passenger & freight trains.
” To cope-up with the increasing demand of Passenger and freight trains, specifically carrying of fuel in the power plants.
” To provide easy, punctual, comfortable transportation services to the general
Project Cost : Taka 350675.00 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 January 2018 to 30 December 2022
Present Progress :
Procurement of consultancy services is going on for design and construction supervision.
3.2 Conversion of Meter Gauge Line to Dual Gauge Line from Parbatipur to Kaunia Section of Bangladesh Railway.
Objectives:
The main objective of the project is to convert the existing 57 Km main line and 0.85 Km loop line meter gauge (MG) track into Dual Gauge (DG) track on Parbatipur-Kaunia section. The project aims at-
” To prepare detail design and tender documents.
” To create an opportunity for carrying cross-border traffic through Birol Border which would be carried by the completed project “Meter gauge (MG) Track into Dual gauge (DG) Parbatipur- Kanchan- Panchagar& Kanchan-Birol Section and MG Track into Broad Gauge (BG) on Birol Station-Birol Border section of Bangladesh Railway.” and increasing regional railway connectivity.
” Speed will be increased by converting MG track into DG track, which will help in substantial reduction of journey time.
” Broad Gauge train carrying fuel can be transported directly to Rangpur division from Khulna.
” To increase speed by converting MG track into DG track, which will help in substantial reduction of journey time.
” Upon completion of this project safe comfortable and punctual running of train will be ensured.
” The performance of Bangladesh Railway will be improved.
Project Cost : Taka 350675.00 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2022
Present Progress :
Procurement of consultancy services is going on for design and construction supervision.
3.2 Construction and Rehabilitation of Bangladesh Railway Track including signaling work in connection with Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant Project
Objectives:
” Assist in establishment of overall transport management system for Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant.
” Establishing Railway network from Ishwardi Take off Point to Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant.
” To provide safe, fast and Goods train service for Ruppur Nuclear
Power Plant.
” Assist to increase the earnings of Bangladesh Railway.
Project Cost : Taka 33597.03 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 April 2018 to 30June 2021
Present Progress :
Physical progress of the project is 84.41% upto October 2020.
3.3 Construction of Chilahati-Chilahati Border Rail Line for establishment of connectivity to India.
Objectives:
” Establishing Broad Gauge Railway Connectivity with India between Chilahati and Chilahati Border (To Haldibari- India).
” Establishing Sub-regional railway communication system.
” Strengthening commercial activities through communication infrastructure development for operation of export- import activities from Mongla Port of Bangladesh to North- East of India, Nepal and Bhutan.
” To operate new passenger and goods train between India and Bangladesh.
Project Cost : Taka 8016.94 Lac
Implementation Period : 01 August 2018 to 31 January 2022
Present Progress :
Physical progress of the project is 75.50% upto October 2020.
3.4 Construction of Dual Gauge Single Line from Bagura to Shahid M. Monsur Ali Station of Bangladesh Railway
Objectives:
Main objectives of the project were:
” To Construct 79.30 km. Dual Gauge main and 11.35 km. Dual Gauge loop line from Bogra to Shahid M. Mansur Ali via Sirajganj Raipur’ in order to create a link between Sirajganj and Bogra so that DG network of the West Zone of Bangladesh Railway could be connected and greater segment of population of Sirajganj, Bogra and Northern part of Bangladesh can get benefit of railway connectivity.
” To create comprehensive rail network a link from Kahaloo railway station to proposed Ranirhat railway station need to be constructed for easy and effective operation of the trains.
” To establish a shorter Dual Gauge Link between the Western & Northern part of the country with the Eastern & Southern part via the capital city Dhaka.
Project Cost : Taka 571017.73Lac
Implementation Period : 01 July 2017 to 30 June 2021
Present Progress :
Procurement of consultancy services is going on for design and construction supervision.
3.5 Construction of Broad Gauge Railway Line from Madhukhali to Magura via Kamarkhali.
Objectives:
” Connection of Magura district with the existing railway network.
” Establishment of sub-regional communication system through railways.
” Establishment of rail link with the capital through the Padma Bridge under implementation with the southwestern part of the country.
Project Cost : Taka 120249.35Lac
Implementation Period : 01 May 2018 to 30 April 2022
Present Progress :
Design of the project has been completed. Tender floated for engagement of contractor.
4. Upcoming Projects in West Zone
In pace with the requirement of implementation of masterplan Bangladesh Railway has taken various projects. Some projects are in preparatory stage. The probable upcoming projects are:
” Construction of New Broad Gauge Railway line from Darsana to Meherpur viaDamurhuda&Mujibnagar.
” Construction of New Broad Gauge Railway line fromPanchagar to Banglabandha.
” Construction of Broad Gauge (BG) Rail Line Parallel to Existing BG line in Abdulpur – Rajshahi sectionand Construction of Dual Gauge (DG) Rail Line Parallel to Existing DG line in Abdulpur -Rajshahi section.
” Conversion of Shantahar-Bogura-Kaunia-Lalmonirhat section into Dual Gauge and Construction of Broad Gauge (BG) Rail Line Parallel to Existing BG line.
” Construction of Broad Gauge (BG) Rail Line Parallel to Existing BG line in Jessore-Benapole section of Bangladesh Railway.
” Construction of a new Bridge parallel to HardingeBridge on the Padma River.
” Construction of new Railway Bridge on TistaRiver beside the existing railway bridge.
Finally, it is said that implementation of above projects will lead BR to achieve its vision as well as to attain the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
