Railways to be more pro-people

Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan yesterday vowed to make the sector more service-oriented and pro-people.

"My mission and vision is to take railways further ahead… take it closer to people," Sujan said while speaking at a 'Meet the Press' at Railway Bhaban in the capital, his first formal interaction with journalists after taking office.

"My main purpose is to make the railways more service-oriented…We want to make it a trusted organisation," he said, adding, "My policy will be: more work, less talk." 

About ticket scalping, the minister said such complaints should not be dismissed. "I have already talked about the issue [with my officials] and some steps have already been taken. This practice must be stopped," he said, adding that they are planning to make National ID mandatory while buying ticket.

The minister said he would take forward the mega projects as those are part of the vision the prime minister has already set. "We want to help her [achieve that vision]," he added.

About the railways incurring loss on a regular basis, the minister said he wants to make the sector profitable, and sought suggestions in this regard from all.

Besides expanding internal railway tracks, rail connectivity with neighbouring countries will be improved, he said, adding that he would take steps to increase manpower of railway.

On the topic of Dhaka-Chattogram bullet train, he said  a feasibility study of the hi-speed train service is going on.

The minister further said, "My door is open to all journalists. As a people's representative, I am bound to be accountable."

Secretary to the ministry Mofazzel Hossain and additional director general (rolling stock) of Bangladesh Railway Md Shamsuzzaman also spoke at the programme.