By Asif Showkat Kallol (Dhaka Bureau)
In a nation where the railway serves as the most affordable and reliable mode of transport for millions, a deepening fuel crisis is threatening to bring the entire network to a standstill. Bangladesh Railway (BR), the backbone of the country’s public transportation, has warned that services could be suspended within the next 15 days if emergency fuel supplies are not secured.
A Rapidly Depleting Reserve
The crisis stems from a volatile global energy market and a severe domestic supply shortage. Traditionally, railway depots maintain a 30-day reserve of diesel. However, officials reveal that stocks have plummeted to a critical level, enough to last only seven to ten days.
The state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has been forced to slash its weekly supply of 1.2 million litres by over 20% in the last fortnight. With a daily requirement of 100,000 litres to keep the wheels turning, the math is becoming increasingly grim for the authorities.
The Human Cost: Marginalized Commuters at Risk
While intercity trains remain the face of the railway, the heart of the network lies in its ‘Mail’ and ‘Commuter services. These trains are the primary means of travel for low-income workers, students, and small-scale traders.
‘Initially, services on less important and low-demand routes will be suspended,’ stated Afzal Hossain, Director General of Bangladesh Railway. However, for those living in rural hubs like Mongla, Bogura, or Lalmonirhat, these ‘low-demand’ routes are essential lifelines.
Already, the impact is being felt:
Eastern Region: The Isha Khan Express (Dhaka-Mymensingh) has been suspended.
Sylhet Route: The Surma Mail has been reduced to a once-a-week service.
Overcrowding: Experts warn that cancelling local trains will force thousands of additional passengers onto already congested intercity trains, leading to unsafe travel conditions and extreme hardship for the poor.
Financial Strain and the Burden on the Poor
The crisis is not just logistical; it is deeply financial. A recent 15 BDT per litre diesel price hike has added an extra daily burden of 1.5 million BDT to the railway’s operating costs.
Furthermore, the railway’s debt to the BPC has surged from an average of 1 billion BDT to nearly 3 billion BDT. To bridge this gap, authorities are proposing a staggering 40% to 50% fare hike. If implemented, a ticket that currently costs 418 BDT could jump to 600 BDT- a move that would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable segments of society who rely on the railway to escape the higher costs of bus travel.
A Call for Urgent Intervention
As the 15-day countdown begins, the future of Bangladesh’s sustainable transport remains uncertain. Railway authorities are calling for immediate government intervention, prioritizing fuel allocation and increased budgetary support.
In a world increasingly focused on green and collective transport as a human right, the potential shutdown of Bangladesh’s railway is a stark reminder of how energy instability can paralyze the mobility of an entire nation’s working class.
Pressenza will continue to monitor the situation, focusing on how this crisis affects the right to movement and the region’s socioeconomic stability.
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The Author:
Asif Showkat Kallol: Works for a German-based online outlet, The Mirror Asia, as Head of News, Contributor, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
