Bangladesh receives 20 broad gauge locomotives from India

Bangladesh Railway (BR) received 20 diesel-run broad gauge locomotives from India as grant on Tuesday.
The new engines, received at the Darshana-Gede interchange point, are expected to facilitate both passenger and freight train operations in the country.
Earlier, in 2020, the BR received 10 broad gauge locomotives from India as grant - currently being operated on the western routes.
The locomotives, with the capacity of 3,300 horsepower and 19.5 axle load, will have a lifespan of eight to 10 years, according to the BR.
A ceremony marking the handing over of the new train engines was held at the interchange point at 4:30 pm, with Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon and his Indian counterpart Ashwini Baishnab joining virtually.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Mustafizur Rahman and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, among senior railway officials of both the countries, also joined the event virtually.
Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon said the locomotives, which were received earlier, are in operation on eight routes, while the new ones will be operated on the Akhaura-Agartala railway route.
The 20 locomotives have been received in line with the consultations between the two sides during the prime minister's visit, he added.
Highlighting the historical commonness of railway management of the two neighbouring countries, Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Baishnab said there is a scope for cooperation between Bangladesh and Indian railways.
He expected that the Indian locomotives will be able to add to the ease and comfort of rail travel for Bangladeshi passengers, thus helping play a role in the sub-regional economy.

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