Rail Day observed for the first time

For the first time in railways' 158-year-old history, railway authorities yesterday observed "Rail Day" to mark the installment of rail line in territory of the then Bengal on this day in 1862.

Railways ministry and Bangladesh Railway (BR) jointly organised a discussion at Rail Bhaban yesterday, to celebrate the day.

Rail transport in Bangladesh began on November 15, 1862, when 53km rail line was opened between Darshana in Chuadanga and Jogotee in Kushtia.

Speaking at the programme, Railways Minister Nulul Islam Sujan said it is important to know the history and tradition, otherwise it is not possible to move forward. He said among all other organisations, railway is the richest historically. 

He said railway played a significant role in social and economic development of the country.

During the Liberation War, Pakistani occupation forces damaged the railways largely and after the war, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had started restoring it. But railways lagged behind due to the faulty policies of successive governments, he added.

The incumbent government is giving priority on the rail sector, he said adding that he hoped they would be able to bring back the previous glory of railways.

Railways ministry Secretary Salim Reza, BR Additional Director General (operations) Mia Jahan, ADG (infrastructure) DN Majumder, among other, spoke at the programme with BR  Director General Md Shamsuzzaman in the chair.

Earlier, Md Shamsuzzman took part in a programme at Kamalapur Railway Station to mark the day. End..