THE movement of containerized goods by rail across Bangladesh declined nine per cent year-on-year in the fiscal year 2023-24, primarily due to a shortage of locomotives and railway staff, reports the Dhaka Daily Star.
This downturn has impacted Bangladesh Railway's (BR) revenue, highlighting ongoing challenges in the transport sector.
BR data shows domestic container transport fell to 84,811 units in 2023-24, down from 92,908 in the previous fiscal year.
BR introduced container services in 1986-87 on the Dhaka-Chattogram route, primarily serving Chattogram Port.
Currently, BR operates four pairs of freight trains for container transport, carrying goods such as raw materials, marble, stone, food grains, and fertilizer.
However, the BR traffic department can operate only one or two pairs of loaded container trains per day due to engine and staff shortages.
Chattogram Goods Port Yard chief Abdul Malek stated they need at least 13 engines daily to run scheduled freight trains, but we are receiving only three to four engines regularly.
Businesses prefer freight trains over road transport due to lower costs, enhanced security, and reduced logistical hassles.
Shipping line operators report that transporting an import container from Chattogram Port to Kamalapur ICD in Dhaka costs US$245, while an export container costs $219.
In contrast, a prime mover charges up to $292 for a TEU on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway to industrial hubs in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Ashulia, according to clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents.
The delays in rail transport are not only financially impacting traders but also contributing to congestion at Chattogram Port.
SeaNews Turkey
This downturn has impacted Bangladesh Railway's (BR) revenue, highlighting ongoing challenges in the transport sector.
BR data shows domestic container transport fell to 84,811 units in 2023-24, down from 92,908 in the previous fiscal year.
BR introduced container services in 1986-87 on the Dhaka-Chattogram route, primarily serving Chattogram Port.
Currently, BR operates four pairs of freight trains for container transport, carrying goods such as raw materials, marble, stone, food grains, and fertilizer.
However, the BR traffic department can operate only one or two pairs of loaded container trains per day due to engine and staff shortages.
Chattogram Goods Port Yard chief Abdul Malek stated they need at least 13 engines daily to run scheduled freight trains, but we are receiving only three to four engines regularly.
Businesses prefer freight trains over road transport due to lower costs, enhanced security, and reduced logistical hassles.
Shipping line operators report that transporting an import container from Chattogram Port to Kamalapur ICD in Dhaka costs US$245, while an export container costs $219.
In contrast, a prime mover charges up to $292 for a TEU on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway to industrial hubs in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Ashulia, according to clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents.
The delays in rail transport are not only financially impacting traders but also contributing to congestion at Chattogram Port.
SeaNews Turkey
