TL;DR:
- Bangladesh Railway launches special agricultural goods train to transport produce to Dhaka at lower costs
- Train operates thrice weekly from Khulna, Panchagarh, and Chapainawabganj to combat rising commodity prices
- Transportation cost ranges from Tk1.08 to Tk1.47 per kilogram, significantly lower than road transport
- Modern air-conditioned compartments imported from China ensure product quality during transit
Bangladesh Railway has taken a significant step towards stabilizing the prices of essential commodities by launching a special agricultural goods train. The train, which commenced operations on Tuesday, aims to transport produce from the southern and northern regions of the country to Dhaka at substantially lower costs.
The inaugural journey of this special train began at 10:15 am from Khulna Railway Station, carrying 640 kilograms of goods in seven compartments. The train is scheduled to operate thrice weekly, departing from Khulna every Tuesday, Panchagarh every Thursday, and Chapainawabganj every Saturday.
Sujit Kumar Biswas, Chief Commercial Manager of Bangladesh Railway (West), highlighted the modern facilities of the train. “The train includes air-conditioned compartments and will collect goods from 15 stations, including Jessore, Jhenaidah, and Kushtia, along the route,” he stated. These coaches, recently imported from China, are designed to maintain the quality of the agricultural products during transit.
One of the most attractive features of this initiative is the significantly reduced transportation cost. Farmers and traders can now transport their goods at a rate ranging from Tk1.08 to a maximum of Tk1.47 per kilogram. This competitive pricing is expected to not only benefit the producers but also contribute to stabilizing market prices of essential commodities in the capital.
The train boasts a daily capacity of 120 tons, with plans to increase frequency based on demand. Sarder Sahadat Ali, Director General of Bangladesh Railway, explained the strategic timing of the train’s arrival in Dhaka. “The train will arrive on Tuesday night to align with trading hours at Karwan Bazar in the capital. If demand increases, the number of trains will be increased,” he said.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the railway authorities to combat rising prices of essential commodities and reduce extortion and harassment on roads. By providing a reliable and cost-effective alternative for transporting agricultural goods, the special train is expected to have a positive impact on both farmers and consumers.
As the special agricultural train begins its regular service, it marks a significant step towards improving the agricultural supply chain in Bangladesh. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar projects in the future, potentially revolutionizing the transportation of agricultural goods across the country.
