Sustainable Freight Transport

In Bangladesh, road-based freight transportation has grown considerably compared to more environmentally sustainable options like rail. Rail is considered the most sustainable mode of freight transportation, but its modal share has decreased over time, falling from 17% in 1989 to 4% in 2005. The Perspective Plan Bangladesh (2021–2041) aims to increase the share by at least 15% by 2041. To encourage the shippers for using the sustainable mode, it is necessary to explore their current freight mode choice behavior. In addition, improving the service quality of rail is essential to increase its freight transport share. Therefore, this study:

• Identified the factors influencing the mode choice behavior of freight shippers through qualitative research.

• Explored key service quality factors affecting shippers' satisfaction with rail freight transport using structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Findings of the study will help to build an efficient freight transport system and to increase the usage of sustainable rail transport mode in Bangladesh.​