West Zone of Bangladesh Railway

Tk 305cr revenue earned in 2014-15 fiscal year

The West Zone of Bangladesh Railway has earned revenue worth around Tk 305 crore during the just concluded 2014-15 fiscal year, up by Tk 20 crore over the previous 2013-14 fiscal, BSS reports from Rajshahi.
Of the total earning, Tk 182 crore was obtained by carrying passengers while Tk 66 crore from goods transportation.
Highlighting the salient features of the revenue collection Shah Newaj, additional chief commercial manager of the zone, told the news agency that the earning is gradually increasing despite the multifarious problems experienced by the railway sector.
The zone, covering Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions, has been operating 91 trains including 44 intercity ones on different routes, including the capital at present. Twelve commuters or shuttle trains are being operated on various short-distance routes which are very popular among the passengers.
He stated that the number of passengers on various routes, where the intercity trains ply, especially those connecting the capital Dhaka has increased significantly in the last couple of years.
In most cases, he said, the railway staffs are facing great trouble to manage the increased number of passengers overcrowding the trains.
For the betterment of the passengers in general, he said 27 major stations have been brought under the modern computerised seat reservation and ticketing system. Some of those including Rajshahi have launched ticket selling, seat reservation and other requisite privileges through online system. He, however, said the revenue earning could be enhanced to a great extent if the huge numbers of non-functional stations are re-launched as early as possible.
Belal Uddin, chief operating superintendent of the zone, said 94 out of total 169 stations remained inoperative for long due to various problems including shortage of stationmaster, shunting man, booking clerk and other necessary staffs. Earlier, six other mail trains and 25 local trains were being operated on different routes of the zone but now, the train service on those routes is curtailed due to various problems including shortage of lineman, engine, rake and loco master.
He emphasised the need for taking effective steps to restart the trains and stations as early as possible for the sake of reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the general public as many people still choose railway as a mode of transport.
Engineer Khairul Alam, general manager of the zone, told the news agency that many of the non-functioning stations are expected to be functional when the process of manpower recruitment is complete.
We are committed to provide safe, reliable, cost-effective and time efficient rail transport services everywhere in the zone through modernising, expanding and maintaining rail system in a manner which supports government strategies for economic, social and environmental development.
Modernising signaling, interlocking and telecom systems and up gradation of locomotives, coaches and other rolling stocks are being maintained. 240 coaches were rehabilitated, 16 new more engines were added to the zone and 200 new more carriages are expected to be added within near future, he added.
Engineer Alam said railway tracks and station infrastructures throughout the zone are gradually being developed and maintained. Necessary measures were taken to procure modern technology related rolling stocks, track materials and signaling systems suitable for Bangladesh Railway.
Rehabilitation works of 790-kilometer railway tracks were completed at a cost of around Tk 2,930 crore. Besides renovation of 68 station buildings were completed by spending around Tk 50 crore.
Construction of 211 kilometer track on different routes of the zone is progressing fast which involves a cost of around Tk 99,500 crore.
On successful implementation of the projects by the next two to three years, he said, adding significant developments are expected in the railway sector including its revenue earning.

West Zone of Bangladesh Railway

Tk 305cr revenue earned in 2014-15 fiscal year

The West Zone of Bangladesh Railway has earned revenue worth around Tk 305 crore during the just concluded 2014-15 fiscal year, up by Tk 20 crore over the previous 2013-14 fiscal, BSS reports from Rajshahi. Of the total earning, Tk 182 crore was obtained by carrying passengers while Tk 66 crore from goods transportation. Highlighting the salient features of the revenue collection Shah Newaj, additional chief commercial manager of the zone, told the news agency that the earning is gradually increasing despite the multifarious problems experienced by the railway sector. The zone, covering Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions, has been operating 91 trains including 44 intercity ones on different routes, including the capital at present. Twelve commuters or shuttle trains are being operated on various short-distance routes which are very popular among the passengers. He stated that the number of passengers on various routes, where the intercity trains ply, especially those connecting the capital Dhaka has increased significantly in the last couple of years. In most cases, he said, the railway staffs are facing great trouble to manage the increased number of passengers overcrowding the trains. For the betterment of the passengers in general, he said 27 major stations have been brought under the modern computerised seat reservation and ticketing system. Some of those including Rajshahi have launched ticket selling, seat reservation and other requisite privileges through online system. He, however, said the revenue earning could be enhanced to a great extent if the huge numbers of non-functional stations are re-launched as early as possible. Belal Uddin, chief operating superintendent of the zone, said 94 out of total 169 stations remained inoperative for long due to various problems including shortage of stationmaster, shunting man, booking clerk and other necessary staffs. Earlier, six other mail trains and 25 local trains were being operated on different routes of the zone but now, the train service on those routes is curtailed due to various problems including shortage of lineman, engine, rake and loco master. He emphasised the need for taking effective steps to restart the trains and stations as early as possible for the sake of reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the general public as many people still choose railway as a mode of transport. Engineer Khairul Alam, general manager of the zone, told the news agency that many of the non-functioning stations are expected to be functional when the process of manpower recruitment is complete. We are committed to provide safe, reliable, cost-effective and time efficient rail transport services everywhere in the zone through modernising, expanding and maintaining rail system in a manner which supports government strategies for economic, social and environmental development. Modernising signaling, interlocking and telecom systems and up gradation of locomotives, coaches and other rolling stocks are being maintained. 240 coaches were rehabilitated, 16 new more engines were added to the zone and 200 new more carriages are expected to be added within near future, he added. Engineer Alam said railway tracks and station infrastructures throughout the zone are gradually being developed and maintained. Necessary measures were taken to procure modern technology related rolling stocks, track materials and signaling systems suitable for Bangladesh Railway. Rehabilitation works of 790-kilometer railway tracks were completed at a cost of around Tk 2,930 crore. Besides renovation of 68 station buildings were completed by spending around Tk 50 crore. Construction of 211 kilometer track on different routes of the zone is progressing fast which involves a cost of around Tk 99,500 crore. On successful implementation of the projects by the next two to three years, he said, adding significant developments are expected in the railway sector including its revenue earning.