S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir, Sundarbans Correspondent 

 Despite being a profitable route, the government-operated Benapole Commuter Train (Betna) on the Mongla-Khulna-Benapole line is allegedly being considered for privatization. 

Sources claim that some railway officials are lobbying to lease the train, arguing that it could generate more revenue under private management.

Originally inaugurated in 1999 after being closed since 1974, the train had a turbulent history—first run by the government, then leased to private firms, and again brought under government control in 2013 due to declining service quality and rise in smuggling.

Since 2017, Bangladesh Railway has been operating the service twice daily, with growing passenger numbers, particularly travelers to and from India via Benapole—Bangladesh’s largest land port. The train is known for being cost-effective (fares as low as 20 to 85 taka), quicker than buses, and generally reliable.

Despite issues like ticketless passengers and occasional smuggling, the railway now earns around 3.7 million taka per month from this service. Concerns are rising that leasing it again to private entities could deteriorate service quality, lead to increased smuggling, and burden daily commuters.

Officials gave mixed responses—some denied any current plan for privatization, while others noted that if a private bidder offers more than the average earnings from the last six months, the train could be leased. A tender process is scheduled for May 28, sparking further worries.

Local residents and regular passengers are urging railway authorities to retain government control over this profitable and essential commuter service.