Bangladesh Railway's initiative to introduce electric train service in the country has not seen any progress over the last six years, thanks to indecision on selecting the route to be converted for electric traction. More than 70 percent of neighbouring India's huge railway network has electric traction system. But Bangladesh is yet to launch the system, which is considered
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The directive came into effect immediately, according to the circular.
The circular reads no Notification of Award can be issued for any physical works (construction/structure) under the revenue and development budget in the remainder of the current fiscal year to combat the ongoing pandemic situation following the government s austerity policy.
The fiscal year ends on June 30.
However, physical works of the work orders already been given will continue as usual.
After the completion of the bidding process, the project implementing authorities issue Notification of Award to the successful bidder and then sign relevant contracts with it for project works.
As a result, cost of most of the projects aimed at improving railways services is likely to escalate, prolonging people s wait for better services from the struggling railway.
Officials of the state-owned transport agency blamed it on delays in land acquisition and approval of foreign loans, lack of necessary manpower, and lately the Covid-19 global pandemic.
Experts, however, found poor planning owing to weak feasibility studies, lack of accountability and skilled manpower, and vested interests, as the reasons behind slow progress of railway projects.
After decades of neglect, the railway started getting increased allocations when the Awami League-led alliance assumed power in 2009.
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