Current Fiscal Year
Railway revenue rises by Tk 225 crore, still faces Tk 1,665 crore loss
Photo: Agamir Somoy
As a result of various government measures to reduce operating and maintenance costs and increase revenue, Bangladesh Railway’s revenue increased by Tk 225 crore over the past six months compared with the same period last year. At the same time, its losses also decreased by Tk 225 crore, Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said.
The minister said railway losses stood at Tk 1,890 crore this year. The government is working to reduce the financial burden of the state-owned organization. According to information provided by the minister, Bangladesh Railway still has a loss of Tk 1,665 crore.
He made the remarks on Wednesday in response to a supplementary question from ruling party lawmaker Lutfur Rahman (Cox’s Bazar 3) during the question-and-answer session in Parliament.
Explaining the reasons behind the increase in railway expenses, Sheikh Rabiul Alam said many railway lines were built in the 1930s, 1940s and 1970s. The old meter gauge railway lines have increased maintenance costs. In addition, spare parts for some railway equipment are no longer readily available. Efforts are being made to reduce costs in these areas.
Regarding increasing the number of trains on the profitable Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka route, the minister said there is significant passenger demand on the route. However, the number of trains cannot currently be increased due to a shortage of engines and coaches.
“Currently, only two pairs of trains are operating on the Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka route. The government has already taken two projects to procure engines and coaches. We hope to receive these engines and coaches within a short time,” the minister said.
The Railways Minister also said the government has received several proposals from the private sector to operate trains on the Cox’s Bazar route. He said the proposals are being reviewed and considered. He expressed hope that train services on this profitable route can also be ensured within a short time through private sector initiatives.
In response to another supplementary question from opposition lawmaker Marzia Begum (Reserved Women’s Seat 38), the minister said the government has planned to establish rail connections in 10 of the 15 districts that are currently outside the national railway network.
He said 49 districts of the country currently have rail connections. Of the remaining 15 districts, plans have been made to establish new rail connections in 10. Lakshmipur is among these districts.
The minister said feasibility studies have already begun in five of the 10 proposed districts including Manikganj. The feasibility study for Lakshmipur has also begun.
After the feasibility studies are completed, Lakshmipur is expected to receive priority among the 10 designated districts for inclusion in the railway network, Minister Rabiul Alam added.
Bangladesh Railway earned Tk 2,066 crore 38 lakh in the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year while its operating expenses amounted to Tk 3,955 crore. As a result, it incurred a loss of Tk 1,888 crore 62 lakh.
Bangladesh Railway Director (Public Relations) Anisur Rahman provided this information to journalists on July 20 this year.
In the previous 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, revenue stood at Tk 1,845 crore. This means railway revenue increased by more than Tk 221 crore in one year. However, as operating expenses were even higher, the state-owned transport agency also incurred a significant loss in the previous fiscal year.
