In the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, the government has allocated Tk 18,072 crore to the Ministry of Railway.

This allocation is Tk 1,004 crore higher than the revised budget of Tk 17,068 crore for the previous fiscal year 2023-24.

During his budget speech, Finance Minister A H Mahmood Ali highlighted the significant expansion of the railway network, which has grown from 2,356 km to 3,486 km.

"We are committed to developing the railway sector as a cost-effective and safe mode of transportation for passengers and goods. Over the past fifteen years, we have constructed 947.99 km of new railway lines, converted 340 km of meter-gauge lines to dual-gauge, rehabilitated or reconstructed 1,391 km of railway lines, built 148 new station buildings, and rehabilitated or reconstructed 238 station buildings. We have also constructed 1,062 new railway bridges, rehabilitated or reconstructed 794 bridges, improved the signaling system at 137 stations, and launched 144 new trains, including the Chilahati Express," Ali said.

Furthermore, several projects are being implemented following the Bangladesh Railway Master Plan, the Eighth Five-Year Plan, the 2nd Perspective Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the 2024 Election Manifesto, Ali added.

A newly constructed 64.75 km broad-gauge railway line has been inaugurated, linking Khulna to Mongla Seaport. This connection will integrate Mongla Seaport with the rail link of Padma Bridge and enhance communication with the southwestern region, boosting import-export activities at Mongla Seaport. Additionally, a 72 km dual line from Akhaura to Laksam is nearing completion.

The finance minister also mentioned the new rail link from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar, which is expected to play a crucial role in the Trans-Asian Railway and sub-regional corridor. Next fiscal year, 20 new meter-gauge diesel-electric locomotives and 150 new meter-gauge passenger carriages will be added, along with 100 rehabilitated MG passenger carriages.