Putting railways back on rails
Your timely editorial, highlighting the sad plight of railways on April 18, deserves the government's serious attention. This matter is of national interest; since railways provide the cheapest mode of passenger and goods transportation. The task is mammoth, but it needs to be done, maybe spread over a number of years in order of economic priority, as it will require huge investment mostly in foreign exchange. As stated in your editorial; rolling stock inventories have reduced overall by over forty percent from the 1972 benchmark figures! However, the locomotive to wagon ratio has not changed substantially. From 1:31 in 1972, the ration now is 1:33.2. This means two extra wagons per locomotive. May be this could be the result of improved traction efficiency from converting almost all steam locomotives to diesel or diesel-electric drives. The recipe outlined by you is quite judicious. It has however missed the important aspect of upgrading locomotive and rolling stock maintenance and upkeep backed with sufficient tools and spares. This is the key issue: in keeping the locomotives in efficient running order at all times, with full power available. The government's first priority should be cash flow stability, by doing everything possible to recover the outstanding amount of Tk.12,000 crore, plus possible penal interests. This could only happen and continue because of undue political interferences over the years, along with possibly corruption of railway officials. The funds are government's, so they should take all steps necessary to recover this huge amount without fail, and as soon as possible! Next is railway land illegally taken by exploiters, not without political favour of one kind or the other! This is in effect government land, and the government should leave no stone unturned to recover this illegally occupied lands, again without fear or favour, as they are doing with the ex-PM's residence. Once railway is financially and operationally strengthened, we may go for interlinking various modes of communication. Hopefully, this will not give rise to another superimposed bureaucratic body and the resulting drainage of public funds creating unnecessary paperwork!
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