Bangladesh Railway’s introduction of a specialised train service to transport farm produce is a laudable initiative aimed at curbing the rising prices of essentials in Dhaka. This service, which runs from crucial agricultural areas such as Chapainawabganj, Khulna and Panchagarh to the capital, is more than an operational shift— it is a strategic move to stabilise food prices, reduce dependence on middlemen and ensure the availability of fresh produce at fair prices in urban hubs. With designated routes and lower transport costs, this initiative is set to bring economic and public health benefits, in particular, for the capital’s consumers and rural farmers.
Generally, farm produce transport in Bangladesh has depended on road networks, which are costly and prone to delays, extortion and so congestion. Additional transportation charges often lead to exaggerated urban prices, putting a pressure on consumers while diminishing farmers’ returns. In contrast, Bangladesh Railway’s new service charges between Tk 1.08 and Tk 1.47 per kilogram, a fraction of the price required by road transport. This affordable pricing model, combined with the train’s capacity to transport 120 tonnes of produce per trip, offers a substantial economic advantage to traders and farmers. Besides, the annexation of refrigerated compartments ensure that perishable goods such as vegetables, fish and meat may arrive fresh and intact in the capital’s markets.
The enthusiastic response from local traders underlines the potential of this initiative. Many traders have indicated that with rail transport, they only pay for the exact quantity of goods transported, different road services where fixed fees are often applied regardless of load size. The capacity of rail transport also helps avoid the unpredictability of road traffic, dropping transit time and cost. Furthermore, the railway’s normal, predictable schedule allows traders to better plan their deliveries, contributing to a more stable supply of produce in the capital.
The public health experts and
policy analysts advocate for
making this service an
enduring part of the
country’s transport system
The public health experts and policy analysts advocate for making this service an enduring part of the country’s transport system. They stress that this model may reduce the urban-rural price disparity and bring sustained food security benefits. Establishing this as a long-lasting service would require coordinated support among main departments, such as the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Railway and the Department of Agricultural Marketing. Such collaboration could ensure reliable supply lines and address the rural-urban market divide, benefiting people across the country.
However, plans to acquire additional broad-gauge and meter-gauge wagons and refrigerated containers will increase capacity to meet mounting demand. Moreover, the proposal to establish wholesale unloading zones near the capital’s railway stations at Tejgaon, Shyampur and Kamalapur would streamline distribution and reduce handling delays, giving consumers even faster access to fresh produce.
The prospective for this service is extensive, but sustaining its success will require ongoing support and oversight. Escalating the service schedule to meet demand and maintaining quality control—notably in refrigerated compartments— will be crucial to maximising the initiative’s benefits. As demand grows, continued investment and improvements in infrastructure will assist to ensure the service remains a sustainable alternative to road transport, supporting the permanent stability of agricultural markets.
This service of Bangladesh Railway is a crucial step in remaking the agricultural supply chain, with far-reaching economic, strategic and social benefits. By bringing affordable, fresh produce to urban areas while ensuring fair compensation for farmers, this initiative promises a more equitable and potential food system for Bangladesh. The service could become a long-lasting, transformative force in the country’s agricultural economy with governmental and interdepartmental robust support, enhancing food security and benefiting people across the country.
