Train fares not increasing: Railways Minister
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam on Monday said Bangladesh Railways has not taken any decision to improve train fares.
"There are no plans to improve fares...committees formed earlier have presented their statements to us. A misinterpretation of the has spread in the media,” he said.
The minister was speaking with the media after the signing ceremony of an agreement for the procurement of a complete of 125 luggage vans, comprising 75 meter gauge and 50 broad gauge vans, for Bangladesh Railways.
Project Director Mizanur Rahman signed the agreement with respect to Bangladesh and Yang Bing, Deputy General Manager of China National Technical Import & Export Corporation signed with respect to the supplying company.
The Minister said considerable initiatives are being taken to increase the quality of passenger service, construction and renovation of railways in addition to transportation of goods. “Within this, the assortment of 125 luggage vans with support from the Asian Development Bank has been approved,” he added.
In line with the ministry, the luggage vans include stainless bodies, are air-conditioned, high-speed bogies and computerized air brake systems so that the overall and specialised goods could be delivered safely at low cost and in a short time.
The luggage vans will definitely cost USD 42,8 million (Tk 358.39 crore) and the delivery of these luggage
vans will start next 20 months. All of the vans will reach Bangladesh within 27 months.
