WZ Railway earns Taka 190.53 crore in 2010-11 fisca

AJSHAHI, Aug 11 (BSS)- The West Zone of Bangladesh Railway has earned revenue of around Taka 190.53 crore during the last 2010-11 fiscal, up by Taka 11.51 crore over the previous 2009-10 fiscal.

Of the total earning, Taka 97.10 crore were obtained by carrying passengers while Taka 44.71 crore from the goods transportation.

Chief Commercial Manager of the zone Abdul Awal Bhuiyan told BSS that the revenue earning is gradually being increased despite of multifarious problems being faced by the railway sector.

The zone, covering Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions, has been operating 118 pair trains including 39 doe intercity on different routes including the capital Dhaka at present.

He stated that the number of passengers on various routes where the intercity trains plying especially those connecting the capital Dhaka has been increased significantly.

In most of the cases, he said the railway staffs are facing a great trouble to manage the enhanced passengers.

"We have earned around Taka 20 lakh by carrying 5705 metric tons of fertilizers to Nepal in two consignments in last month," said Awal Bhuiyan adding that the Rajshahi-Rohanpur border railway line is being adjudged as the Trans Asian Railway Route.

For the betterment of the passengers in general he said 26 major stations have been computerized and some of those including Rajshahi have launched ticket selling, seat reservation and other requisite privileges through online system.

He, however, said the revenue earning could be enhanced to a
greater extent if the 106 nonfunctional stations are re-launched
as early as possible.

Chief Operating Superintendent Saiful Islam told BSS that
the huge number of stations remained inoperative for long due to
various problems including manpower shortage.

He emphasized the need for taking effective step to restart
the stations as early as possible for the sake of reflecting the
hopes and aspirations of the general public as many people still
depend on railway journey.

On the other hand, works on eight railway uplift projects
are being progressed on different routes of the zone involving
around Taka 3000 crore at present aiming at bringing dynamism in
the railway transportation, said Rafiqul Islam, Chief Engineer of
the zone.

On successful implementation of the projects by December
2013, he said significant developments are expected in the
railway sector including its revenue earning.

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