Bangladesh Railway continues to spiral deeper into financial losses, with operational costs far exceeding its earnings. For every Tk 1 earned, the railway spends Tk 2.56, highlighting a severe inefficiency in its operations. Over the past 15 years, the railway has incurred losses amounting to approximately Tk 21,000 crore, averaging Tk 1,500 crore annually.

Despite significant investments—over Tk 100,000 crore in the last decade—train speeds and passenger services have not improved. Instead, mismanagement, corruption, and unnecessary projects have drained resources, leaving the railway in a dire state.

Experts argue that addressing corruption, improving monitoring, and ensuring transparency in ticket sales and fines could turn the railway into a profitable entity. However, the lack of effective measures has led to widespread ticketless travel, costing the railway an estimated Tk 100 crore monthly.

Passengers face daily inconveniences, including frequent delays, derailments, and poor service quality, driving many to opt for alternative transport. The railway’s failure to curb ticketless travel and recover encroached land—nearly 4,000 acres—further exacerbates its financial woes.

Railway Director General Md. Afzal Hossain acknowledged the challenges, stating that fares have remained unchanged since 2016 despite rising fuel and maintenance costs. He emphasized the need for fare adjustments and better management to make the railway passenger-friendly and financially sustainable.

As the railway struggles to balance its books, calls for international expertise and stricter oversight grow louder, with hopes of reviving this vital public transport system.