You will know All aspects of the railway network like Bangladesh Railway BD History, track/ line, headquarters, organizational structure, route map, train ticket, and other challenges faced by the Bangladesh Railway.
Table of Contents
Bangladesh Railway BD Network
Bangladesh Railway BD has a total of 3018.88 route kilometers at the end of the year 2018-2019. East Zone has 1299.04 route kilometers of MG and 34.89 route kilometers of DG track only, and West Zone has 353.11 route kilometers of MG, 831.54 route kilometers of BG, and 500.3 route kilometers of DG track. The total length of the running track on the double line, in the yards and sidings, is 4355.72 kilometers.
The Bangladesh Railway BD system had 25,526 employees (438 officers and 25088 staff on June 30 2019. 2018-2019, about 92.71 million passengers were transported by Bangladesh Railway and transported freight traffic of 3959.25 thousand Metric Tons during 2018-2019.
Bangladesh Rail Line History
1862-1961 Era:
Bangladesh Railway History Started its journey as Eastern Bengal Railway with 53.11km Jagoti-Darsana BG Rail link. In 1871, the Darshana-Jogotee Railway line was extended up to Goalanda by the Eastern Bengal Railway. Then, on January 4, 1885, an additional 14.98 km railway line was opened. In 1891, the Bengal Assam Railway was built with government help and later managed by the Bengal Assam Railway Company. By July 1, 1895, two new railway sections were built by English railway companies:
- One linked Chattogram and Comilla, covering 150.6 km.
- The other connected Laksam Upazila and Chandpur, spanning 51.2 km.
During the Partition of India in 1947, the Bengal-Assam Railway was split into two parts. The 2,603.92 km track in East Pakistan came under the control of the central Government of Pakistan. Re-named as Pakistan Eastern Railway.
Bangladesh Railway History from 1972-2003
After becoming Bangladesh, the railway was operated as the Bangladesh Railway. From 1971 to 1982, it worked under the Railway Board. Later, it came under the Ministry of Communications. The Director General of the railway was also the Secretary of the Railway Division of the Ministry. 1995, the Bangladesh Railway Authority was established and chaired by the Minister of Railways. 1998, the Jamuna Bridge was constructed, connecting the previously separate east and west rail networks with dual gauge tracks. Bangladesh is transitioning its railway system to dual gauge, allowing both broad gauge and meter gauge trains to operate.
Bangladesh Railway History from 2003-2022
- Bangabandhu Bridge enabled direct train connection between the East and West zones.
- In 2007, Bangladesh signed the TAR agreement.
- The passenger train “Maitree Express” between Dhaka and Kolkata began in 2008.
- In 2010, funding was secured for a bridge over the Titas River.
- The government approved ten rail projects in 2010 costing 19.9 billion Bangladeshi taka.
- Ministry of Railways was formed in 2011 under SRO-361.
- Construction started in 2011 on a link to Cox’s Bazar, covering 100 km with dual gauge lines.
- Chattogram Circular Railway completed in 2013
- Construction began in 2015 on a 16 km branch to Agartala, Tripura.
- India supplied 20 BG locomotives to Bangladesh in 2011 and 10 more in June 2020.
- Padma Bridge, 6,250 meters long, completed in 2022, connecting Dhaka with Faridpur via Narayanganj, inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid.
- Bangladesh Rail line currently connects 44 out of 64 districts, aiming for 63 by 2031.
List Of Bangladesh Rail Line
There are two zones on the Bangladesh railway: the east and west.
| Track Route Length | East Zone Track length | West Zone Track length | Operational Division |
| Total:3093.34 km MG: 1679.79 km BG: 879.85 km DG: 533.70 km | Total:1308.27 km MG: 1299.00 km BG: 0.00 km DG: 34.89 km | Total: 1568.83 km MG: 380.79 km BG: 879.85 km DG: 498.81 km | Dhaka Chittagong Paksey Lalmonirhat |
International Lines: Trans-Asian Railway Network (TAR) and Role of Bangladesh
The Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) is like a big plan for trains in Asia. It’s managed by a group called ESCAP, which wants to make travelling by train easier and better across Asia.TAR connects lots of countries in Asia with train tracks. Right now, it covers about 125,500 kilometers of tracks and helps 28 countries work together. The proposed three routes within the TAR Network would pass through Bangladesh.
Route 1 starts from Gede in West Bengal, India, passing through Darshana in Chuadanga, Bangladesh, then on to Ishwardy, Jamuna Bridge, Joydevepur, Akhaura, Chattogram, Dohazari, and finally Gundhum in Myanmar.
Route 2 begins at Singabad in West Bengal, then through Rajshahi in Bangladesh, connecting to Ishwardy, Jamuna Bridge, Joydevepur, Akhaura, Chattogram, Dohazari, and ending at Gundhum in Myanmar.
Route 3 originates from Radikkapur in West Bengal, travels through Dinajpur, connects to Ishwardy, crosses Jamuna Bridge, proceeds to Joydevepur, Akhaura, Chattogram, Dohazari, and eventually reaches Gundhum in Myanmar.
Bangladesh has joined the Trans-Asian Railway Network with the aim of enhancing trade and commerce connections with neighboring countries. As part of this initiative, the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar-Ghundum rail line is currently under construction and progressing rapidly.
This rail line will link Bangladesh with Myanmar via Ghundum and is slated for further extension to China, Malaysia, and Thailand. The imperative for constructing new rail routes is underscored by the timely demand to bolster domestic and international trade. Consequently, the government must assume a pivotal role in expanding rail networks, including reviving old and defunct routes that once played a crucial role in the region’s business landscape during the British colonial era.
So, TAR is like a big club that helps Bangladesh make trains better, trade more, and grow as a country. It’s all about making things easier and better for everyone who travels and does business.
Bangladesh Railway BD Headquarter
Bangladesh Railway’s headquarters are located in the southern port city of Chittagong, which had historically been the south-eastern terminal of the Assam -Bengal Railway; after independence from Pakistan, only a tiny length of additional new tracks was laid.
Organization-Structure-Of-Bangladesh-Railway
The East and West Zone each have a General Manager who answers to the Director General of the Railway Authority. Each zone has its own raft of operation, maintenance, and finance departments. Each zone is divided into two divisions with departments for personnel, transportation, commercial, finance, mechanical, way and works signaling, telecommunication, electrical and medical services
ROLLING STOCK
Bangladesh Railway BD now owns basically two types of locomotives viz Diesel Electric (DE) & Diesel Hydraulic (DH). The total fleet as of 30th June 2019 is 263, out of which 173 MG Diesel Electric and 90 BG DE.
At the end of the year 2018-2019, BR had a total of 1764 coaching vehicles, out of which 1605 were for the conveyance of passengers, and 159 were for the conveyance of tourists. At the end of 2018-2019, BR had 3809 wagons comprising 1174 covered and 2635 special type wagons.
Rolling stock Mechanical Workshops:
Bangladesh Railway has sheds, depots and workshops to maintain Rolling Stock. Locomotives are maintained in 3 (Three) places, viz shed shop & CLW, Carriage & Wagons are maintained in two locations, i.e., in C&W Depot & workshop.
A. Locomotives are maintained in the following workshops:
1. Central Locomotive Workshop at Parbatipur, Dinajpur (CLW)
2. Diesel Workshop at Pahartali, Chittagong.
3. Diesel Workshop in Dhaka.
4. Diesel Workshop at Parbatipur, Dinajpur.
B. Carriage & wagons Workshop
1. C&W Shop at Saidpur, Nilphamari.
2. C&W shop at Pahartali, Chittagong.
Method of Track Maintenance in Bangladesh
Mechanized track maintenance methods are under active consideration by the Bangladesh Railway Administration to replace conventional methods. Mechanical track lifting, slewing, tamping, and laying machines have been introduced on the Dhaka-Chittagong main line for track maintenance. A track recording trolley car is in use.
Bangladesh Railway Station and trains:
Bangladesh Railway has 483 stations, including one block hut, fifteen train halts, and four goods booking points as of the end of the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Among these stations, Kamalapur Railway Station, also known as Dhaka Railway Station, stands out as Bangladesh’s most significant and busiest hub for transportation.
It serves as the primary gateway to the capital city, Dhaka. Other major railway stations include Khulna Railway Station, Sylhet Railway Station, Rajshahi Railway Station, and Chattogram Railway Station. Two prestigious trains in Bangladesh are the Suborno Express and the Shonar Bangla Express, connecting Dhaka with the port city of Chittagong.
Notably, three stations in Bangladesh offer international train services: Dhaka Cantonment Railway Station, Khulna Railway Station, and Jashore Junction Railway Station. International trains arrive and depart from these stations. For train tracking and timing, you can download the “bdtraintracker” and “eticketbd” apps for reservation and timing information. Alternatively, you can visit “12go.asia” for a brief overview.
Railway Digitalization and Achievement
E-Ticketing System
The E-Ticketing System caters to around 50,000 daily users, handling over 17,000 ticket purchases daily. Utilizing mobile apps like “RailSheba” ensures quick processing in just three minutes, facilitating online payments, e-ticket delivery via email, and integration with the National Identification system. Users also enjoy the convenience of seat selection.
GIS Based Railway Track and Bridge Management Information System
The GIS-Based Railway Track and Bridge Management Information System is currently in its pilot phase. It is aimed at enhancing railway infrastructure management. It offers comprehensive features such as track maintenance records, gang and task management, requisition processing, and real-time updates via a mobile application for emergencies or current information. Additionally, the system includes a bridge management component for effective monitoring and maintenance. It also provides robust GIS data management capabilities, ensuring accurate and efficient handling of spatial data related to railway tracks and bridges.
Bangladesh Railway Automated Support System (BRASS)
The Bangladesh Railway Automated Support System (BRASS) revolutionizes railway operations with its efficient Stocking Application Management, Material Receiving and Issue Management, and Automated Material Demand Assessment features. It provides insightful Inventory/Stock Analysis and supports management decision-making with comprehensive reports. Continual enhancements since its launch in 2011, including the latest update in 2021, ensure BRASS remains at the forefront of modern railway management.
Railway Estate Management System
The Railway Estate Management System efficiently handles railway land affairs. It includes license management, e-tendering for land leases, master plan access, and fee collection monitoring. It also tracks legal disputes and evictions while organizing land records for easy retrieval. A file inventory system ensures smooth document management. This system marks a significant step forward in railway estate management, promoting transparency and efficiency.
Train Tracking and Monitoring System
The Train Tracking and Monitoring System provides passengers with essential information regarding train departures, next station, and stoppage details, as well as any delays. Passengers can access these updates by sending an SMS to 16318 in a specified format, which includes the train name or number. This system enhances the passenger experience by offering real-time updates, ensuring smoother journeys and timely arrivals.
Future E-Services Plan of Bangladesh Railway
The Future E-Services Plan of Bangladesh Railway, under the Ministry of Railways, outlines several key initiatives aimed at modernizing railway operations. This includes the Workshop Monitoring System for efficient workshop management and the Project Management and Monitoring System to streamline project oversight. Additionally, the plan involves implementing the Automatic Block System and Automatic Train Protection (ATP) for enhanced safety measures. Furthermore, the Human Resource Management System is set to optimize personnel management. At the same time, Live Train Tracking will provide passengers with real-time train location updates. These initiatives signify Bangladesh Railway’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved efficiency and service delivery.
Bangladesh Railway BD Revenue
Public Service Obligation (PSO) and Welfare Grant of Bangladesh Railway for 2018-2019 amounted to Tk.14,065.79 million, after meeting the total operating expenses of Tk. 30,506.52 million, the net operating income for the year came to Tk. (-) 16,440.73 million.
Opportunities for Bangladesh to become a land transport Hub
Bangladesh’s Unique Location
Bangladesh is in a particular spot on the map, making it essential for connecting different countries.
·Khulna-Mongla Rail Link
There’s a plan to build a railway from Khulna to Mongla. This will be the shortest route to connect Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India to the Mongla Port.
Padma Rail Link and Dhaka-Comilla Chord Line
Another plan is to make a railway from Padma to Dhaka, then to Comilla. This route will be super short and handy for connecting Chittagong Port to West Bengal in India.
Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link and Shahbazpur-Mohishoshan Route
During April 2023, the work on the Akhaura-Agartala rail link was approximately 88% completed, which is progressing well and likely to be completed, and re-opening of Shahbazpur–Mohishoshan would facilitate traffic from Chittagong port to North-East India.
Construction of Missing Links and Capacity Enhancement
People are working hard to build and improve these railways to handle more trains and goods.
Proposed Deep-Sea Port at Matarbari
Nippon Koei Company started working on a particular project on November 16, 2020. This project aims to build a deep-sea port like a big harbor for huge ships. It’s going to cost a lot of money, about Tk17,777.20 crore. The project is planned to finish by December 31, 2026.
It is such a big deal that this port is a super important ship stop. It will be close to countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and some parts of India. That means goods can be quickly shipped to and from these places, making trade and travel much more accessible.
This port could make Bangladesh and its railways super important because it will become a central hub for transportation in the whole region. It’s like connecting lots of essential places together with one big port.
Why Bangladesh Railway BD is struggling
1. Insufficient Budget and Qualified Manpower: Since Bangladesh was independent until 2010, there hasn’t always been enough money or skilled workers to build and maintain railways.
2. Load Constraints on Bangabandhu Railway Bridge: The Bangabandhu Railway Bridge over the Jamuna River faced challenges because it couldn’t handle heavy loads, slowing transportation down.
3. Gauge Unification: Different parts of the Railway had different track widths, making it tricky for trains to travel smoothly from one place to another. This was known as gauge unification.
4. Lack of Coordination: Sometimes, different groups involved in the Railway didn’t work well together, causing delays and confusion.
5. Single Line: Some railway routes only had one track, which meant trains had to wait for each other to pass, slowing down travel.
6. Mismanagement and Corruption: There were cases where railway resources weren’t used properly, or money went missing due to mismanagement and corruption.
7. Over-Aged, Obsoleted Signaling: The signaling systems, which help control train movements, were old and outdated, causing problems for safe and efficient travel.
8. Scarcity of Rolling Stocks: There weren’t always enough locomotives, passenger coaches, and wagons for the trains, leading to shortages and delays.
How can Bangladesh Railway BD be improved?
- Empowering the Private company with new pricing mechanisms and with support. Give more budget for development, and the Railway also solves internal issues, especially administrative and financial issues.
- New bilateral or multilateral corridors should be explored for mutual benefit.
- Member countries and Development Partners should come forward to finance the necessary projects.
- Physical barriers to Implementing the Trans Asian Railway Network should be eliminated by implementing necessary projects.
- Bilateral talks between the neighboring countries should start to eradicate the existing problem under the supervision of ESCAP.
- There should be an agreement among the signatories to eliminate the restrictions on the movement of trains in the territory of member countries.
Reference
https://dailyasianage.com/news/264084/bangladesh-connects-to-trans–asian–railway-network
https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/d8files/event-documents/BANGLADESH.pdf
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