Bangladesh Railway has withdrawn rebate on fares for passengers traveling more than 100 kilometers from May 4. As a result, all types of train fares are increasing. According to Bangladesh Railway officials, it gives about 20-30 percent rebate for travelling over 100km. Director General of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Sahadat Ali, confirmed the information to the media on Monday (April 22). 'The costs of train passengers travelling over 100 kilometres are likely to rise from May 4, as Bangladesh Railway will not provide the existing rebate facility from that day,' said Sahadat Ali. Train fares will be adjusted by withdrawing the the rebate from May 4, he said. However, in response to a question about the rate at which the train fare is increasing, the DG said it will be fixed the commercial branch of the railway.

Railway Minister Zillul Hakim has said that there will be no hike in railway fares before the upcoming Eid al-Adha. The railway minister clarified the matter to the media on Sunday (March 17) after some media reports published that railway fares may increase from April 1. Zillul Hakim also said that no decision has been taken to increase rail fares. "Railway fares will not increase in the near future," he added. Meanwhile, at a program in Rajbari on Sunday, the railway minister said that 800 coaches will be imported in the country within the next one year. New engines will also be introduced. They will be implemented with new projects to modernize the railway.  

Two school students have been killed after being hit by a train while playing 'Free Fire' on their mobile phones while sitting on the railway track in Jamalpur.   The accident occurred at the Bottola Bazar area of the ​​Dumuth Union at around 1.30pm on Monday (Jan 22), said Raju Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Melandah Police Station. The identities of the victims were not known yet.   The OC said that two of them died on the spot after being hit by a Dewanganj-bound commuter train.   However, it is believed that they could not hear the train coming because they were wearing earphones.   The OC said that the bodies of the victims were taken to the police station.  

At least eight people were killed after two passenger trains collided in southern India on Sunday, officials said. At least 25 people were injured in the crash, officials said. The crash happened in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district.  An incoming train slammed into a stationary train, derailing at least three rail cars, senior railway officer Saurab Prasad told Associated Press news agency. The Indian Railway Ministry said in a statement that two coaches were derailed. A preliminary investigation found that "human error" caused by "overshooting of signal" had led to the collision, the ministry said. India train crash caused by signal error, officials say Modi announces financial compensation  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he had spoken with the federal railway minister. He sent "condolences to the bereaved families and prays that the injured recover soon." Modi announced financial compensation for families of those who died in the accident to the tune of 200,000 rupees ($2,260, €2,397).  Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy asked authorities to send as many ambulances as possible to the crash site and other relief measures. Train crashes are common in India and are often blamed on human error or outdated signaling equipment. In June, an error in the electronic signaling system led a train to wrongly change tracks and crash into a freight train in the eastern Odisha state. The accident killed more than 280 people and was one of the country's deadliest crashes in decades. More than 12 million people ride 14,000 trains across India every day, traveling on 64,000 kilometers (40,000 miles) of track.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been inaugurated new train service on Dhaka-Bhanga route through Padma Bridge today, October 10. Then, PM crossed the Padma Bridge by a special train as the train will be reached at Bhanga in Faridpur from Mawa Railway Station. According to UNB, The railway line is being constructed in three phases (plus a 3km link being built between Dhaka and Gandaria): 37km Gandaria-Mawa section, a 42km Mawa-Bhanga section, and an 87km Bhanga Junction-Jashore section. Some 43.2km of loops, siding and Y-connections bring the total track length to 215.2km. The entire railway project from Dhaka-Jashore is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a congratulatory letter to the China-Europe Railway Express Cooperation Forum that opened on the same day in east China's Lianyungang City. In his letter, Xi pointed out that since the launch of the China-Europe Railway Express, it has maintained safe, stable and smooth operation, created a new pattern for international transport across the Eurasian continent, built a new platform for economic and trade cooperation along the route, effectively safeguarded the stability of the global industrial and supply chain, and injected new impetus to world economic development. China will continue to work with all parties, uphold the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, stay commit to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. While promoting the development of China-Europe Railway Express with a higher level of quality, efficiency and safety, China will make more contributions to global economic development, the wellbeing of all nations and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Xi. Themed "Deepening Interconnectivity, Promoting Win-Win Cooperation", the China-Europe Railway Express Cooperation Forum is co-sponsored by China's National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Transport, the General Administration of Customs, the China State Railway Group and the provincial-level governments of Jiangsu, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Henan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang. Starting operations in 2011, China-Europe freight train services have offered a secure and reliable channel between Asia and Europe, transporting a variety of goods from IT products and automobiles to wines and coffee beans. As of the end of June this year, the train services had reached 216 cities in 25 European countries, with more than 6.9 million TEU of goods handled through 73,000 train trips. Source: Xinhua

Railway workers have been blocked rail line on Sunday for demanding their permanent employment. As a result train communication with Dhaka has been stopped since the morning. Dhaka Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ferdous Ahmed said, "around 10 am we got the news of rail line blockade at Malibagh. After going to the spot, I learned that the temporary workers of Bangladesh Railway have blocked the railway line to demand permanent employment."  Ferdous Ahmed Biswas, officer-in-charge of Kamalapur Railway Police Station, confirmed the development, saying that the workers are staged in their demand and are blocking the rail track. Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan said in a media that, there is no chance of making their jobs permanent as they work on the basis of daily wage.  

At least 17 laborers on a railway bridge crossing a ravine in India's Mizoram state died when the structure collapsed on Wednesday. The Indian Express newspaper quoted a policeman saying "many others" were missing. What officials are saying "Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy," Mizoram chief minister Zoramthang, who uses only one name, said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured." "Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations," Zoramthang said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said rescue operations were underway. Police said there were some 40 workers at the site when the accident happened. He added that he was "pained" by the accident and offered his "condolences to those who have lost their loved ones", his office said on X. The government has already said it will pay some $2,400 to the next of kin of those killed. Wider worries about transport safety The bridge has been under construction for nearly two years. There have long been concerns about India's transport infrastructure, after major disasters on the country's bridges and highways. A colonial-era bridge in Morbi, in the western state of Gujarat, collapsed in October last year, killing at least 132 people. A suspension bridge in India's poorest state, Bihar, collapsed in June killing one person. Mizoram lies on India's border with Myanmar, in the far eastern part of India. The bridge is near Sairang, a town around 20 km (12 miles) from the state capital Aizwal and links the city with the rest of India. 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the Akhaura-Agartala rail line along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September. This project is creating considerable excitement among residents, and rightly so, since it could be a game-changer for both India and Bangladesh.  Goods can be transported from other seaports of India to states in the northeastern region via Agartala, using the Chittagong and Mongla ports of Bangladesh. This will help increase trade and facilitate the swift and cost-effective transportation of goods. Akhaura used to serve as the railway link for Agartala before Independence. The project, implemented with the assistance of an Indian loan, has been completed over 90 percent, and the work of laying the railway line is finished. The railway line, spanning 15.064 km in length — 5.05 km in India and 10.014 km in Bangladesh — will connect Bangladesh’s Akhaura through an international immigration station at Nischintapur on the outskirts of Agartala. This station will be a dual gauge station for passenger and goods interchange between India and Bangladesh. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in January 2010. Following that, the project, which commenced in 2016, has been extended for the fourth time until June 2024. In other words, this project, which has been ongoing for 13 years, is finally coming to fruition. The project was initially expected to be completed in 2020, but it was delayed due to land acquisition issues and the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 15-km-long railway line will connect Bangladesh’s Akhaura through an international immigration station at Nischintapur along the India-Bangladesh border. Once operational, the railway will reduce travel time between Agartala and Kolkata from 31 hours to 10 hours, opening up opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The Railway Ministry of India allocated Rs 153.84 crore for this project. The Ministry of DONER (Development of North Eastern Region) is funding the project, and Rs 708.74 crore of the estimated cost has already been provided and utilised. This railway link is part of the 16 transit routes that have been declared, enabling cargo transportation from Chattogram or Mongla port to Indian states. Small yet impactful Upon the completion of this railway link, two Indian states, Tripura and West Bengal, will be connected with Bangladesh. This new railway link will significantly reduce travel time between the Indian cities of Kolkata and Agartala. The train journey from Agartala to Kolkata, covering a distance of 500 km via Dhaka, will take around 16 hours. Once the project is finalised, the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka, currently around 31 hours, will be reduced to 10 hours. The 15-km long railway link connecting Agartala with Gangasagar will play a crucial role in the overall development of the North Eastern region. Those from Mizoram, which is 150 km away, and those from Agartala will benefit from the current line. India and Bangladesh have also signed an agreement allowing Indian traders to use Chattogram and Mongla ports in Bangladesh for goods transportation. This railway will not only increase the movement of the people of the two countries, it will also play a role in the import and export of goods from Chittagong port, resulting in a boost in trade and adding value to the economic development of both nations and states. Not only that, this rail line would boost the tourism sector of both of the countries. The new rail project will enhance relations between India and Bangladesh, and aid the growth of small-scale industries in the border area and boost tourism in the northeastern region. Facilitating faster export and import of commodities would benefit local producers in exporting their products outside the country.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 18 flagged off the Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express. Odisha celebrated the launch of its first fully indigenous built Vande Bharat Express Train, a landmark achievement of Make in India initiative. The train runs between Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, and Howrah, West Bengal's industrial powerhouse. Vande Bharat Express revolutionises the travel experience by offering passengers enhanced speed, superior comfort, and unparalleled convenience. It is likely to promote economic development in the region through a boost in tourism. Puri is a very popular destination for tourists from West Bengal, as a pilgrimage and a beach resort. Travel agents believe that the high-speed train will be an instant hit among these travellers. In the same ceremony, PM Modi laid the foundation for several other railways projects for Odisha worth Rs 8,000 crore. The redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations was one of those projects. The project aims to upgrade the Cuttack station into a world-class facility, responding to the growing needs of the passengers. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a budget of Rs 303 crore for this ambitious project. The upgradation of Cuttack station is part of the larger efforts by the Indian Railways to refurbish railway stations across the country. The renovation of Cuttack Railway Station holds great significance for both the local community and the railway sector. The government aims to improve the station's infrastructure and amenities, creating a world-class facility that matches with international standards. The redevelopment project is likely to provide a significant boost to the region's economy and tourism sector. Vaishnaw, who also attended the launch, highlighted the significant infrastructure development achieved by the railways in Odisha. This year alone, the railways have built a remarkable 450 km of new rail lines. It was a record compared to the mere 50 km annual average during 2009-14. This substantial expansion of rail infrastructure reinforces Odisha's connectivity and overall development. Railways has also started a 162 crore redevelopment project for Puri station to cater to the growing number of visitors. The plan includes a weather-resistant shelter which will have the capacity to withstand cyclonic winds and a centralised air-conditioned station building, escalators, and improved amenities. The renovated station will offer facilities such as food plazas, baby feed rooms, shops, modern retiring rooms, and recreational areas. The redeveloped station will also include dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, and library facilities. The station building will be designed as a green structure, in line with environmental considerations, with an efficient energy management system. Additionally, the redeveloped Puri station will incorporate several green initiatives, such as the installation of electric car charging points in the parking bay and an effluent treatment plant to minimise environmental impact. The platforms will undergo renovations with modern ceilings, lighting, and signage to enhance the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of the station. Efforts are also being made to ensure smooth traffic flow and adequate parking. The redeveloped Puri station compound will be ready for public use by January 2025. The Prime Minister dedicated 100 per cent electrification of the rail network in Odisha. It will bring down the operating and maintenance cost, significantly reducing reliance on imported crude oil. Earlier in March 2023, Railways announced that it has achieved 100 per cent electrification of the existing 2,822-kilometer route of the Broad- Gauge network in Odisha. The electrification of the Broad Gauge networks is likely to reduce travel time by increasing the speed of trains. The complete electrification of railway lines in Odisha is in line with the target of Railways to become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030. Currently, Broad Gauge routes in seven zones, including the Central Railway, North Central Railway, East Coast Railway, North Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, Eastern Railway, and West Central Railway, have completed 100 per cent electrification. The Prime Minister also dedicated the doubling of the Sambalpur Titlagarh-Rail line. Work on the much-awaited dualisation of the Sambalpur- Titlagarh railway section was completed in late 2022. The process for the duplication project of the 182 km long line had started in 2009 and the work of various parts had been going on in stages. It will improve port connectivity, transportation of coal and boost the socio-economic development of Odisha and its adjoining states Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Another project the Prime Minister flagged off was the 92.82 km long broad gauge single electrified railway line section between Budhapankh station in Angul district and Baghuapala station near Sukinda in Jajpur district. Angul-Sukinda Railway Ltd (ASRL), which carried out the project, was incorporated as an SPV by the Railways Ministry through Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) in 2009 for the construction and maintenance of the broad-gauge single line between Budhapank and Baghuapala. The new rail line connects the iron-ore-rich areas of Joda and Barbil to the steel and sponge iron industries in the Angul region. It also makes for a shorter and congestion- free alternative route between the coal mining belts of Talcher to the coal-based thermal power plants in Kalinganagar. The Prime Minister also launched the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela- Jharsuguda-Jamga and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali and Jhartarbha. These will cater to the increased traffic demands as a result of rapid industrial development in the steel, power and mining sectors in Odisha and also help ease the pressure on passenger traffic in these sections. Between them, these projects add up to over Rs 8,200 crore worth of railway investment in the state. The event was conducted via video conferencing at, allowing the Prime Minister to remotely inaugurate these crucial initiatives. The inauguration of these railway projects by PM Modi in Odisha marks a significant milestone in the state's infrastructure development. With improved connectivity, modernised stations, electrification, and expanded rail lines, these initiatives are likely to enhance transportation efficiency, boost economic growth, and elevate the overall travel experience for both residents and tourists in the state. These projects reflect the vision of the Prime Minister for a balanced development of the states. As he observed, it is the endeavour of the country that no state should fall behind in the race for development due to a lack of resources. Source: daijiworld.com