International-standard multimodal transport system to be introduced to restore discipline in transport sector: Road Minister

Photo: CNI

Pabna Correspondent: Sheikh Rabiul Alam, Minister of Road Transport, Bridges and Shipping, has said that an international-standard multimodal transport system will be introduced to bring discipline back to the transport sector. He also announced that a direct train service between Dhaka and Pabna will be launched by August.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with government officials and members of civil society at the Pabna Circuit House auditorium on Saturday (June 20) afternoon.

The minister said that discipline in the transport sector would be ensured through a coordinated initiative involving both owners and workers, rather than treating them as opponents of each other. “There is no progress without discipline. No particular group will be given special privilege; only public interest and people’s expectations will receive priority,” he said.

He added that an international-standard “multimodal” transportation system would soon become visible across the country.

Regarding railway connectivity, the minister said that the locomotive for the Dhaka-Pabna route has already been prepared at the locomotive workshop. Once the coaches arrive next month, direct train communication between Dhaka and Pabna will be launched on a priority basis, with Pabna being given preference.

He also said that work on the feasibility study and preparation of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the Aricha-Khaschar road project has already started to ensure easier communication with Dhaka.

Those present at the event included Pabna Sadar constituency Member of Parliament Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Pabna-2 constituency MP Selim Reza Habib, Pabna-4 constituency MP Abu Taleb Mondal, District Commissioner Aminul Islam, Superintendent of Police Sufi Ullah, along with local administration officials and political leaders.