State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid. Photo : BSS

By Moshtak Ahmed

DHAKA, April 22, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid today said the government is considering private investment for the railway sector to improve passenger services.

He said that the government is working with long-term plans to modernize the country’s railway system and make it more time-befitting, smart and profitable.

In an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at his office in the Ministry of Railways, the state minister shared his views for overall development of the railway sector.

Regarding private investment, he said, like many other countries, Bangladesh is also considering increasing private sector participation in the railway sector.

 However, no final decision has been made yet in this regard, he added. 

He said that private investment could enhance the service quality and competitiveness, although overall supervision would remain under the government control.

The state minister said that initiatives have been taken to gradually convert the railway system to broad gauge in order to keep pace with global standards, but completing the process may take 15 to 20 years.

He emphasized that alongside the infrastructural development, building a skilled workforce and upgrading the existing railway lines are crucial. At the same time, the government is prioritizing improvements in current services so that passengers can get services faster and more affordably.

He pointed out that a shortage of locomotives is currently a major challenge. The lack of coordination between meter gauge and broad gauge systems has led to engine shortages, which become more severe during peak periods like Eid.

 Many engines have exceeded their service life and are being operated after repairs, he added.
 
Speaking about the financial condition of the railway, he said there is a significant gap between the income and the expenditure. “For every one taka earned, two taka is spent,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to make the railway more efficient and profitable in the future.

The state minister also mentioned the initiatives to recover unused and encroached railway land, which will be utilized for public welfare.

 These lands may be used for solar power generation, afforestation, or other infrastructure development projects, he added. 

Highlighting the service improvement, he said that adding modern trains or coaches alone is not enough, cleanliness, passenger service, safety and staff behavior must also improve. 

To this end, he said field-level monitoring has been strengthened and general managers (GMs) and divisional railway managers (DRMs) have been instructed to conduct regular inspections.

He said that in the case of railway accidents, not only drivers or guards but officials at all relevant levels will be held accountable.

 He also expressed his hope that after getting the private investment, the accountability and responsibility of the railway will be ensured and will improve its service quality.

Regarding the introduction of DEMU trains in Narayanganj route, the minister said there are no plans for new investment from the government in this area. However, proposals from private investors may be considered, he added. 

Overall, the government is moving forward with both short-term and long-term plans to make the railway system modern, efficient and passenger-friendly, he added.