Govt takes measures to improve service quality of railway: Minister

Replying to a tabled scripted question from opposition lawmaker Nurunnisa Siddika (women seat-37) in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), he said the government has been implementing infrastructure modernization, rolling stock procurement and enhanced security measures to provide safer and more comfortable rail travel.

"The government has undertaken various initiatives to improve passenger services in Bangladesh Railway," Rabiul added.

With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair, the minister told the House that under a project to procure 200 broad-gauge carriages from India's RITES Limited, the first consignment of 20 broad gauge carriages is expected to arrive in the last week of May 2026, while the remaining coaches will be supplied during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

He said preparations are underway for procuring an additional 260 broad-gauge coaches while a Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the procurement of 30 metre-gauge locomotives has already been sent to the Planning Commission.

According to the minister, feasibility studies are in their final stages for the procurement of 200 metre-gauge carriages, four wheel lathes and four relief trains.

He also said a DPP has been submitted to introduce electric traction on the Narayanganj-Dhaka-Joydebpur route.

"The modernization and capacity enhancement of Bangladesh Railway's carriage, wagon and locomotive maintenance workshops are also under feasibility study," he continued.

Highlighting passenger-friendly services, Rabiul Alam said Bangladesh Railway launched a call centre and hotline service on September 10, 2024, through the number 131 to facilitate passenger support.

He said intercity train tickets are currently being issued through both the Rail Sheba mobile application and the online ticketing portal.

The minister further informed Parliament that Bangladesh Railway has taken steps to establish information desks at important railway stations across the country, while onboard services are currently available on 33 intercity trains.

Food and beverages are being sold on trains at rates fixed by Bangladesh Railway, while station waiting rooms and washrooms are being maintained in usable condition at all times, he added.

To curb ticket black marketing and ensure that "the ticket holder is the actual traveler," a task force comprising officials from both railway zones has been formed, the minister said.

On passenger security, Rabiul Alam said special arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of women and child passengers.

"Female Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) and female police personnel are deployed round the clock at women and child help desks established in all railway police stations under the railway district," he added.

The minister further said female police personnel are also regularly deployed alongside train guard parties to strengthen passenger security during journeys.

"For any unforeseen situation, both male and female police personnel remain on standby at all railway police stations and police lines," he added.

He said the Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB) has been working relentlessly to prevent theft, robbery and other crimes at railway stations and on trains.

The minister noted that the Government Railway Police (GRP) is primarily responsible for passenger security on running trains, reports BSS.

"To further enhance passenger safety, RNB personnel are also deployed on trains whenever necessary," he told the House.