Bangladesh Railway to buy 200 coaches from India

Bangladesh Railways has signed an agreement to procure 200 passenger coaches for the broad gauge line from India's state-owned Rail India Technical and Economic Service or RITES.

According to the agreement, signed in the Railway Building’s Jamuna Auditorium on Monday, the delivery of the coaches will commence in 20 months and is scheduled to be completed within 36 months.

Railways Minister Zillul Hakim described India as an old friend and said, "Our carriages have been quite problematic. We appreciate India for providing the carriages now.

Although a timeframe has been set, the contract does not specify the exact delivery time, which the minister said will be beneficial for Bangladesh.

"We can plan accordingly. It would be helpful if two sets of carriages could be provided in the next two months. The rest may then be delivered according to the schedule," he added.

Zillul said the sluggish work of railway officials saddened him. “They estimate it will take five to six months. They don't prioritise bringing them earlier, even though we need more coaches."

Railway Secretary Humayun Kabir said that recent improvements in rail connectivity in the southern region have enhanced communication between Dhaka and the southern districts, with the new passenger coaches expected to further boost the connectivity.

Director General of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Shahadat Ali said, "We aim to expand communication networks, establish rail connectivity across the country, and enhance passenger services. This project will greatly contribute to achieving these goals."

The project is scheduled from Jul 1, 2022, to Jun 30, 2026, with an estimated total cost of nearly Tk 13 billion, with funds from the government and the European Investment Bank or EIB. Each compartment will cost over Tk 60 million.

First, the EIB will cover the material costs. After the coaches arrive in the country, 35 percent of the funds will be used for unloading at Chattogram port, totalling approximately Tk 30.3 million, which will be provided by the government.

The coaches will feature stainless steel, high speed, roof-mounted AC, automatic air brake systems, and environmentally friendly designs. These coaches will be integrated into trains in the southwestern part of the country, according to the railways.