Finance
Bangladesh Railway Bangladesh railway signs agreement to purchase 420 broad-gauge wagons from India
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, February 7: An agreement was signed on Sunday at Rail Bhavan between Bangladesh Railway and Hindustan Engineering and Industries Limited of India for the procurement of 420 broad-gauge rail wagons for Bangladesh.
The concerned project's director Md. Mizanur Rahman, on behalf of Bangladesh, and vice-president of the Indian contractor firm, Pradeep Guha, signed the agreement.
At the deal signing ceremony, Railway Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan said, "We have inherited the railway system from undivided India. Development of the country is not possible without railways. The existing railways are being reshaped as a balanced communication system for sustainable development. Because the goal of the present government is sustainable development."
The Minister said, "The present Prime Minister is working towards building the self-reliant, dignified country of Bangabandhu's dream. She has made Railways a separate ministry from far-reaching concerns keeping in mind the needs of the people. Many projects have been undertaken to increase rail connectivity across the country. Rail communication is being established with various rivers and seaports of the country. Various initiatives have been taken to expand regional and domestic rail connectivity by increasing rail connectivity with neighboring countries. All single lines in the country will be upgraded to double lines. The factories are being modernized."
The Minister noted that multifaceted initiatives have been taken to restore the lost glory of the railways.
The agreement was signed to procure 420 broad-gauge wagons at a cost of Rs 231 crore 19 lakh 19 thousand 934. This project is being implemented with the joint funding of Government of Bangladesh and ADB. The wagons are equipped with stainless steel body, high speed bogie and automatic air braking system so that general and specialized products like various food grains, fertilizers, stones, wood etc. can reach the destination safely at low cost and on time.
Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, Md. Humayun Kabir, Director General of Bangladesh Railway Dhirendranath Majumder and other senior officials were present at the deal signing ceremony.
