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Engine shortage hampers freight train operations in Bangladesh
Published : Monday, 26 October, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
A acute shortage of locomotives has led to a reduction in freight train operations across the country, disrupting the transportation of containers, fuel, and food grains, according to a report presented by the Ministry of Railways.
To resolve the crisis, Bangladesh Railway plans to procure 60 meter-gauge locomotives by 2029. Additionally, process is underway to acquire another 20 meter-gauge locomotives under the World Bank's Green Railway project.
The information was disclosed in a progress report submitted by the ministry during the second meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Railways, held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday (October 26).
Chaired by committee head Mohammad Ali Asgar, the meeting was attended by State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid alongside committee members.
The meeting was informed that while container transport between Chittagong Port and Dhaka, as well as fuel and food grain movement to various destinations, remains operational, the shortage of meter-gauge engines has forced a cutback in the overall number of freight trains.
According to the ministry's report, the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for procuring 30 meter-gauge locomotives was recently approved, while tenders have been invited for acquiring another 30 engines under a previously approved scheme. Upon receiving all 60 locomotives by 2029, the railway expects to expand freight operations and boost revenue.
Mongla-Dhaka Train Service Awaits Coaches
The meeting also discussed goods transport from Mongla Port and launching a direct train service on the Mongla-Dhaka route. Currently, limited quantities of molasses are being transported from Mongla to Syedabad in Tangail and Joypurhat, with no further freight demands received from shippers at present.
The ministry noted that train No. 95/96 is currently operating on the Mongla-Benapole route. Meanwhile, a total of 200 broad-gauge coaches are being added to the fleet in phases, with 18 coaches already delivered. A decision on commencing direct train services on the Mongla-Dhaka route will be taken once the remaining coaches arrive.
Tenders Prepared for Online Ticketing
Addressing transparency in digital ticketing, the ministry informed the committee that preparations have been completed to invite tenders for a new ticketing vendor before the current contract with Shohoz.com expires in February next year.
The committee also reviewed the budget implementation progress and operating ratio for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Discussions covered railway land management, lease revenues, ongoing land disputes, legal cases, illegal encroachments, and the installation of solar power panels on railway properties.
The parliamentary body directed the ministry to appoint necessary legal counsel to expedite pending court cases, recruit manpower for level crossings, and gradually transform Bangladesh Railway into a profitable enterprise. It further advised conducting a feasibility study on constructing the Bhanga-Barishal rail line and introducing a morning commuter train between Benapole and Khulna.
Railways Secretary, Additional Secretary, Director General of Bangladesh Railway, and senior officials from the ministry and Parliament Secretariat were present at the meeting.
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
