DHAKA, June 02, 2025 (BSS) – Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today proposed allocation of Taka 11,944 crore for railways ministry to establish a stronger rail network, introducing modern systems and developing its capacity alongside ensuring safe, comfortable and affordable train journey as he unveiled the national budget.

   Ahmed railway networks remained a popular transport mode all over the world because of their safety, affordability and the comfort they provide to passengers.

    “We are determined to bring about a fundamental change (to the railways sector),” he said.

   The adviser said in line with a 30-year Railway Master Plan, steps were taken to construct double line railway tracks, unify gauges, introduce modern signaling system, improve rail communication with seaports, and introduce upgraded locomotives and electric traction.
 
   Besides, he said, initiatives were taken to establish a new unit and to modernise existing locomotive workshops to develop assembling capacity of railway coaches and wagons within the country.
    
   In the budget speech, he said the proposed budget suggested minimizing unnecessary expenditure while under the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) the implementation cost of the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link (2nd revised)’ project was also reduced by around Tk. 622 crore.

   Ahmed said the in line with the interim government policy the project cost for "Construction of Single Line Dual Gauge Track from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar via Ramu and Ramu to Gundum near Myanmar (2nd revised)" was reduced by about Tk. 6,699 crore.

   On the other hand as part of the development initiatives the ‘Construction of Rail cum Road Bridge over Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat’ at a cost of around Tk 11,561 crore was commenced.
 
   Apart from this, rail communication from Dhaka to Jashore via Bhanga was resumed and train service was started following the completion of the construction of the Jamuna Railway Bridge.