Resolve persistent manpower crisis and other barriers

We are concerned about the widespread disruption of railway services in the West Zone, causing immense hardship for residents and travellers across Jashore, Jhenidah, Kushtia, Meherpur, and Chuadanga. According to a report by this daily, 58 out of the 162 railway stations in this zone remain closed, leaving only 104 operational. The closures, stemming from severe manpower shortages, have affected stations from Yeasinpur in Ishwardi (closed since March 25, 1993) to Mirpur in Khulna (closed on March 11, 2025). For the travellers, especially those from remote areas, the suspension of train stops has cut off a reliable, relatively cheap mode of transport for long-distance journeys.

Due to poor road connectivity in many places under the zone, trains have long served as a lifeline for local communities, facilitating both travel and transport of agricultural produce. The closure of train stations means farmer are being forced to sell crops at lower prices in nearby markets due to their inability to transport goods to distant markets, resulting in financial losses. Students and professionals are also struggling with daily commutes. Local residents have talked about the mounting difficulties caused by station closures, saying that reopening those would significantly ease travel for both students and the general public. For those travelling from Dhaka to remote areas, their journeys have become considerably complicated and costly. Until these stations are reopened, rural communities will continue to face hardship and remain largely isolated.

Unfortunately, the railway's Eastern Zone has also been suffering from a similar deficit. An earlier report in this daily revealed that at least 54 out of 243 stations in that zone were closed over the past two decades due to staff shortages, mainly of station masters and pointsmen. Against a sanctioned workforce of 22,358, only 11,522 staff members were employed. Manpower shortages forced the authorities to operate many stations with retired station masters on a contractual basis, while most operational stations were running with only half the required workforce.

We urge the government to address this crisis with priority. Opening and properly operationalising now-closed stations is essential for economic activity, education, and social mobility in these regions. To that end, the authorities must take effective measures to resolve the railway's persistent manpower crisis. Enhancing staff efficiency is also crucial. Moreover, Bangladesh Railway has long been struggling with dirty trains and stations, irregular schedules, ticket black-marketeering, and recurring technical failures, all of which require a comprehensive intervention. With the right policy initiatives, proper implementation, and functioning accountability mechanisms, the railway can be transformed into a reliable, efficient, and passenger-friendly service.