Bangladesh Railway has signed an agreement with the Indian state-owned Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) Limited to purchase 200 passenger coaches for the broad gauge line. The agreement was formalized at the Railway office on Monday.
At the signing ceremony, Railway Minister Md Zillul Hakim said,The contract does not specify when the coaches will be delivered. It would be beneficial if two sets of coaches could be available within the next two months.
Railway Secretary Humayun Kabir highlighted the recent establishment of rail connectivity in the southern part of the country, noting that this will enhance communication between the southern districts and Dhaka, thereby improving passenger services.
Director General of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Shahadat Ali said,We are working to expand rail communication, establish rail connections at various points, and increase passenger services. This project will significantly contribute to achieving that goal.
The project timeline is from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026, with an estimated total cost of Tk1,298,58,77,139, financed by the government and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Each compartment will cost over Tk6 crore, with the EIB providing the funding. The government will cover approximately Tk303 crore (35%) for unloading the carriages at Chittagong port.
Officials indicated that Bangladesh Railway will receive the coaches within 16 months per the agreement. Formalities will be completed within 20 months, with delivery continuing up to 36 months.
The stainless steel, high-speed coaches will feature roof-mounted AC, automatic air brake systems, and eco-friendly designs. These coaches will be added to the trains operating in the southwestern region of the country.
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