Bangladesh Railway bleeds money every single day as passengers enjoy dirt-cheap train rides across the country. The rail system lost a whopping 1,400 crore taka last year despite running 350 trains daily. Around 80 million people hop aboard these trains each year, but the government pays half their ticket price through massive subsidies. Railway bosses admit they lose 40 to 50 percent on every ticket sold. Train fares stayed frozen since 2016 even as fuel costs skyrocketed.
The railway carries millions of passengers but ignores profitable freight business that could save them from bankruptcy. Countries like India and China make serious cash from cargo trains, but Bangladesh keeps focusing on people instead of goods. Poor planning means popular routes lack enough trains during busy times. Less popular routes run empty trains that drain resources without bringing in revenue. This backwards approach guarantees financial disaster.
Staff shortages cripple operations as only 23,000 workers fill 47,000 approved jobs. Retirement payments eat up nearly 1,000 crore taka each year from the operating budget. The railway earned just 1,800 crore taka in revenue last year, far below what they spend on daily operations. Experts blame weak management and outdated equipment for the mounting losses. Without major changes, this transportation giant will keep hemorrhaging taxpayer money at an alarming rate.
The railway carries millions of passengers but ignores profitable freight business that could save them from bankruptcy. Countries like India and China make serious cash from cargo trains, but Bangladesh keeps focusing on people instead of goods. Poor planning means popular routes lack enough trains during busy times. Less popular routes run empty trains that drain resources without bringing in revenue. This backwards approach guarantees financial disaster.
Staff shortages cripple operations as only 23,000 workers fill 47,000 approved jobs. Retirement payments eat up nearly 1,000 crore taka each year from the operating budget. The railway earned just 1,800 crore taka in revenue last year, far below what they spend on daily operations. Experts blame weak management and outdated equipment for the mounting losses. Without major changes, this transportation giant will keep hemorrhaging taxpayer money at an alarming rate.
