Deal inked with Indian firm to import 420 broad gauge wagons

Train of Bangladesh Railway. UNB

Dhaka, Feb 6 -- Bangladesh Railway on Sunday signed an agreement with India's Hindustan Engineering & Industries Ltd worth Tk 231.19 crore to procure 420 broad gauge wagons.

This project is being implemented under the joint funding of Bangladesh Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The contract was signed by the project director Md. Mizanur Rahman, on behalf of Bangladesh, and vice-president of the Indian contractor Pradeep Guha at Rail Bhaban.

The wagons are equipped with stainless steel body, high speed bogies and automatic air brake system so that the general and specialized products like various food grains, fertilizers, stones, wood etc. can be delivered to the destination safely at low cost and in less time.

At the signing ceremony, Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan said, "We have inherited the railway system from undivided India. And the development of the country is not possible without developing railways."

The existing railways are being reshaped as a balanced communication system for sustainable development as per the goal of the present government, said the minister.

He said, "The Prime Minister is working towards building a self-reliant, dignified country of Bangabandhu's dream. She has made Railways a separate ministry from keeping the needs of the people in mind."

The Minister further said many projects have been taken to increase the rail connectivity across the country. Rail communication is being established with various rivers and seaports of the country.

All single lines in the country will be upgraded to double lines, he said.

Various initiatives have been taken to increase regional and domestic rail connectivity by increasing rail connectivity with neighboring countries.

The factories are being modernized. The Minister noted that multifaceted initiatives have been taken to restore the lost glory of the railways.

Secretary of the Railways Ministry Dr Md Humayun Kabir, Director General of Bangladesh Railway Dhirendranath Majumder and other senior officials were present at the signing ceremony. - UNB