After a significant delay, Bangladesh Railway finally introduced new trains on the Dhaka-Jashore rail route via the Padma Bridge in the last week of December. The new route reduces the travel time to only three and four hours for Khulna to Dhaka and Jashore to Dhaka, respectively. However, the launch of the new trains has received mixed reactions from the locals, particularly in the Jashore area. Protesters gathered at the Jashore railway station on the inauguration day, chanted slogans, and showed black flags, demanding more trains and passenger-friendly timing.

The 169-km Dhaka-Jashore railway line was constructed at a cost of Tk 39,247 crore, the most expensive railway project in Bangladesh. It was expected that the direct rail link to Dhaka would transform the region, creating a business-friendly atmosphere and generating employment opportunities. It would also help farmers market their agricultural products more efficiently. The promise of faster and more reliable transportation raised hopes for significant economic growth in the region.

Despite these developments, the Khulna-Jashore region continues to lag behind in rail connectivity. Although the railway line was expanded from Khulna to Mongla Port, only one passenger train runs on this route. The railway has disappointed passengers, failing to capitalise on the benefits of this newly constructed rail link.

Before the Dhaka-Bhanga section of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project was opened, three express trains connecting the region to Dhaka operated via the Jamuna Bridge, taking a 200-km detour. After the Dhaka-Bhanga section was commissioned, two of the express trains now run via Faridpur to Dhaka. This route cuts travel time by two hours, reducing it to six hours from Jashore, and seven and a half hours from Khulna. However, on the new route via Narail, it only takes three hours from Jashore and around four hours from Khulna to reach Dhaka. Despite this, the railway operates only two trains via Narail, while three others continue to take the detour. The underutilisation of the faster route has left many wondering about the rationale behind such decisions.

In deciding to keep the Khulna-Dhaka and Benapole-Dhaka trains on the existing route, the railway appears biased against the Khulna division. This defies public expectations. One may wonder why the railway is so determined to deprive the people of Khulna of fully benefiting from the newly constructed rail route via Narail, which would reduce travel time significantly. This decision has led to frustration and growing demands for a more equitable distribution of train services.

A recent report states that at least 24 pairs of trains can be operated daily on this route. However, at present, the railway operates only two pairs of trains—one each on the Khulna-Dhaka and Benapole-Dhaka routes. The Jahanabad Express and Ruposhi Bangla Express share a rake, meaning the Khulna-Jashore region effectively has only one new train running between Khulna, Dhaka, and Benapole. So far, the railway has failed to show urgency in maximising the potential of the costly Dhaka-Jashore rail route. Operating only two trains keeps much of the benefits unutilised. This has also affected the regional economy, as businesses and travellers expected more frequent and accessible services.

In 2023, 100 new bogies were imported for the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project. Recent reports state that the railway is unable to run new trains due to a shortage of locomotives and coaches. This raises questions about why the imported coaches for the project were diverted to other routes, leaving the railway unable to introduce new trains and frustrating passengers. The lack of proper planning and resource allocation has led to scepticism about the railway's commitment to fulfilling its promises.

Read more

Systemic failures, rising inequality, and the path to recovery

The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is a dream project for the locals. It connects Narail, a new district, to the railway network. Khulna, once an industrial hub, has lost its lustre. The direct rail link from Khulna and Mongla Port to Dhaka and Chattogram could help the city regain its past glory. Demand is also high on the Dhaka-Jashore route, as thousands of people travel daily between Dhaka and the Benapole border via Jashore. The connection has the potential to significantly boost trade, yet its benefits remain largely untapped.

For a long time, the Khulna-Jashore region has suffered from regional disparity and has not received the attention it rightfully deserves. It is alleged that Bangladesh Railway's West Zone is dominated by the northern region, with its administrative headquarters located in the north, which inadequately addresses the needs of the Khulna-Jashore region. In the last decade, the northern region received several new trains, but only one was allocated to Jashore. People had hoped that this bias would end under the interim government. However, no improvement is in sight yet. It appears that regional disparity will not end until a new railway zone is created for the Khulna division and adjacent areas. The former government took the initiative to establish a southern zone of Bangladesh Railway, with its headquarters to be situated in Khulna or Faridpur. It should be implemented without delay, considering the new railway network and growing demand.

Rail journeys are more popular than other modes of transportation due to their cost-effectiveness, safety, and reliability. Train travel is also affordable and eco-friendly, offering passengers more freedom and flexibility. While people were excited about the new rail link and had high expectations, they are now disappointed by the railway's decision to run only one pair of trains on the Jashore-Dhaka route. The underwhelming response from the railway administration has added to the frustration of the locals.

Given the popularity of rail journeys and the high demand, Bangladesh Railway should introduce more trains on the Dhaka-Jashore rail link to fully utilise its benefits and meet public expectations. Immediate action is needed to address the gaps in service and ensure that this significant investment delivers on its promises.

Nasir Uddin Roney is an entrepreneur.

Views expressed in this article are the author's own.

Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries, and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission.