200 coaches joining BR fleet to boost services

Around 200 new coaches will be added to the Bangladesh Railway fleet in phases to introduce new train services and replace aging rolling stock, Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Railway Afzal Hossain announced on Friday.

He made the statements while responding to reporters following an inspection of the Panchagarh Railway Station on Friday afternoon.

The Director General stated that a portion of the new coaches has already arrived in the country and joined the fleet. A decision has been taken to launch one new train service initially using these coaches. Additional coaches will arrive in subsequent phases, allowing the railway authority to introduce more trains and replace old coaches based on passenger demand.

Addressing the potential for a direct train route connecting Panchagarh to the tourist hub of Cox's Bazar, he explained that it remains a long-term plan. "Not all railway lines in the country have been converted to broad gauge yet. A decision on this route can be taken once the full network is converted. 

Additionally, passenger demand along this extensive route must also be evaluated," he said.

Regarding the proposed rail link to Panchagarh’s Banglabandha land port, Afzal Hossain noted that constructing a line solely on the Bangladesh side without a connecting rail link on the Indian side would not deliver the desired regional connectivity benefits. "While it could meet local needs, it would fail to ensure regional connectivity. Consent from both countries is required. Although under consideration, the project is currently suspended," he added.

On infrastructure development and service expansion, the DG emphasized that freight handling capabilities and passenger demand across various stations are undergoing on-site assessments. Loop line extensions, track expansions, and coach additions will be undertaken wherever demand warrants.

Panchagarh Railway Station Master Zahid Hasan, railway officials, and local representatives were present during the inspection.

-MT