Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam -File photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, April 26, 2026 (BSS) - Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam 
today informed the Jatiya Sangsad that Bangladesh Railway is undergoing 
extensive modernization and service enhancement initiatives alongside 
strengthened safety measures aimed at improving passenger comfort and 
reducing accidents.

The minister made the disclosure while replying to a starred tabled question 
from ruling party lawmaker Md. Jalal Uddin (Chandpur-2) in the House today.

The minister said Bangladesh Railway has already completed beautification and 
upgrading works at several key stations, with a phased programme underway to 
remodel all district-level stations across the country.

He noted that passenger-centric facilities are being expanded, including 
breastfeeding corners at major stations, separate counters and dedicated 
sanitation facilities for women, and improved accessibility infrastructure 
such as ramps and wheelchairs for persons with disabilities. "Platform 
elevation works are also in progress to facilitate safer and more convenient 
boarding and alighting," he said.

Rabiul said to enhance security, fencing is being installed at stations to 
prevent unauthorized entry. Onboard service quality has also been improved 
through better catering arrangements and regulated food supply.

The minister added that around 80 percent of intercity train rakes have 
already been replaced with modern coaches, significantly improving travel 
comfort. 

At present, 49 out of 64 districts are connected to the national rail 
network, while initiatives are underway to extend rail connectivity to the 
remaining districts, he added.

He outlined a series of ongoing and planned development initiatives aimed at 
long-term modernization of the railway system:

Procurement of 200 broad-gauge carriages from RITES Limited, India, with the 
first batch of 20 coaches expected by May 2026 and the remainder in FY 2026-
27.

Preparation of a development project proposal (DPP) for 260 additional broad-
gauge carriages.

Submission of a DPP for procurement of 30 meter-gauge locomotives to the 
Planning Commission.

Completion of feasibility studies for acquiring 200 MG carriages, four wheel 
lathes, and four relief trains.

Submission of a DPP for introducing electric traction on the Narayanganj-
Dhaka-Joydebpur route.

Ongoing feasibility studies for modernization and capacity enhancement of 
railway workshops and maintenance facilities.

He also highlighted the launch of a dedicated call centre (hotline 131) on 10 
September 2024 to ensure faster passenger support and service delivery.

Digital ticketing services have been expanded through the "Rail Sheba" mobile 
application and the official e-ticketing portal (www.eticket.railway.gov.bd), 
enabling passengers to purchase tickets conveniently online.

Information desks are being established at major stations, while onboard 
services are currently available on 33 intercity trains. In addition, 
regulated catering services continue to operate at fixed tariff rates, and 
station waiting rooms and washrooms are being maintained for public use.

The minister further said a special task force has been formed to combat 
ticket black marketing and ensure the principle of "ticket-holder only 
travel" through strengthened monitoring and enforcement.

Addressing safety concerns, the minister said that comprehensive operational 
directives have been issued across the railway system to minimize risks and 
prevent accidents.

Key measures include strict vigilance by station masters during train 
movement operations such as crossings, signal clearance, and train 
dispatching, supported by continuous monitoring from control rooms.

Advance coordination mechanisms have been strengthened to ensure timely 
communication between control offices and running staff, including guards and 
locomotive personnel.

Train operators have been instructed to strictly comply with operating 
procedures, signal systems, and speed regulations. "Fitness certification 
procedures prior to train departure have been reinforced to ensure mechanical 
reliability," he said.

Maintenance of tracks has been improved, along with the gradual removal of 
temporary speed restrictions where appropriate. Signal systems, points, block 
instruments, and communication networks are being maintained in fully 
operational condition.

Besides, special safety instructions have been issued for non-interlocked 
stations, while rolling stock inspection and maintenance activities have been 
intensified to reduce the risk of mechanical failure during operations.

The minister said these coordinated reforms are aimed at building a safer, 
more efficient, and passenger-friendly railway system while ensuring 
sustainable modernization of Bangladesh Railway.