Railway systems across Asia deteriorate from deferred maintenance, yet institutional capacity to reverse the trend remains weak — how can training institutions drive systemic reform?

This session will focus on planning stage initiatives jointly supported by the ADB and Bangladesh Railway (BR) to improve railway operational performance through maintenance modernization and capacity development of the Railway Training Academy (RTA). It will highlight how strategic planning, institutional readiness, and targeted use of high level technologies (HLT) are laying the foundation for future operational efficiency gains.

The session will also cover BR’s plans to strengthen RTA as the core institution for system wide capacity development, including modernization of training facilities, introduction of digital and simulator based training, and alignment of training programs with evolving railway technologies and operational requirements.

The session will offer practical insights into how early stage planning and institutional strengthening can support the transition toward more efficient, resilient, and sustainable railway operations, with lessons relevant to other railway administrations in the region.

By the end of the session, participants will:

1. Understand how early-stage planning supports effective maintenance reform.
2. Recognize the role of training institutions in sustaining operational improvements.
3. Examine how maintenance modernization and capacity development must progress together.