Railway authorities have failed to improve services and expand routes based on passenger demand, as a result, 37 local and DEMU trains are currently suspended in the East Zone due to a shortage of engines, coaches, and crew.

According to Bangladesh Railway, the East Zone currently operates 58 intercity trains and 60 commuter and mail trains. Additionally, eight container trains and 19 goods trains run from Chattogram. However, 37 trains, mainly local and DEMU services, have been suspended.

Across the country, there are 120 intercity trains—58 in the East Zone and 62 in the West Zone. A total of 128 commuter and mail trains run nationwide—60 in the East and 68 in the West. The total number of running trains, including container and goods trains, stands at 275.

Railway Director General Md Afzal Hossain told Banglanews that engines must be imported, as they are not produced locally. 

He said around 90 new engines are currently needed, and a plan is underway to purchase 30 metre-gauge engines under an ADB-funded project.

Bangladesh Railway has 140 engines in the East Zone, but 82 of them are over 20 years old—the typical economic lifespan of an engine. Only 58 are less than 20 years old, he added.

Despite heavy investment in rail infrastructure and stations during the last 15 and a half years, only 39 engines were purchased—29 of them in 2021. Some of those have faced quality concerns.

BDST: 1449 HRS, April 20, 2025
MSK