DEMU trains worth Tk6.5b abandoned at Kamalapur

Shahariar Islam Sovon  :

Twenty Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains, imported in 2014 at a staggering cost of Tk 6.5 billion, have been abandoned at various railway workshops at Kamalapur Railway Station and other locations in Dhaka.
The DEMU trains, introduced to improve short-distance travel, have reportedly fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance, lack of spare parts, and operational inefficiency. Railway sources confirmed that these units have been lying idle for months, if not years, despite their potential to enhance commuter services.
“The DEMU trains were purchased with the aim of improving local travel efficiency, but they were not suitable for our railway tracks or passenger demands,” said experts.
The trains, manufactured in China, were criticized from the start for their high cost and limited capacity. Additionally, their fuel consumption and technical incompatibility with the existing railway infrastructure made them difficult to operate.
Transport experts and citizens have expressed outrage over the wastage of public funds. “Spending Tk 6 billion on a project that now sits idle is a colossal failure of planning and accountability.
Bangladesh Railway officials have stated that discussions are underway to determine the future of the abandoned DEMU trains. However, no concrete plans have been announced, leaving the multimillion-dollar investment to deteriorate further.
Globally, railways are recognised as an efficient and cost-effective urban transport solution, offering services like circular trains, mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rail transit (LRT). These options excel at connecting city peripheries with central areas at low costs.