The announcement of a broad-gauge line on the Lalmonirhat–Parbatipur route and the replacement of the century-old Teesta rail bridge are encouraging signs that we are beginning to give our railway network the importance it deserves.

With talk of Bangladesh’s turnaround as a nation, we cannot afford to treat our railway system as an afterthought. At a time when our roads are choked with congestion, accidents are frequent, and fuel costs continue to rise, railways remain arguably the safest and most sustainable, affordable, and inclusive mode of transport. 

Yet, for too long, rail has been neglected in favour of road expansion, and this imbalance has not only strained our economy but also deepened regional inequality. As such, updated railways are never just about faster trains but more importantly about unlocking opportunities for trade, education, and mobility in areas that have been left behind.

However, for our railway network to thrive, it also requires maintenance and giving it the importance it deserves. There is no denying that they are a national asset, belonging to the people. As such, as the Railway DG has rightly pointed out, protecting it from theft and misuse is a collective responsibility.

Railways are also central to our climate commitments as they consume far less energy than road transport and can significantly reduce emissions. For a country as vulnerable to climate change as Bangladesh, investing more into our railway therefore becomes more of a necessity, beyond all the other benefits it provides.

Bangladesh’s future itself depends on how seriously we treat our railway system. With an election looming, we expect the next government to prioritize our railway network to truly thrive and reach its full potential to serve the nation.