Gede (West Bengal):Indian Railways handed over 10 Broad Gauge (BG) diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, on Monday, aiming to strengthen the economic and bilateral ties between the two nations. These locomotives were flagged off by Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Union External Affairs S Jaishankar via video conferencing.
The handling of these locomotives is a part of the grant assistance from India, in a line to the commitment given to the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her last visit in October 2019.
India hands over 10 modern BG diesel locomotives to Bangladesh In keeping with the requirements of Bangladesh Railway, the locomotives were suitably modified by Indian Railways and Ministry of External Affair funded the transfer. These locomotives will help to handle the increasing volume of passengers and freight train operations in Bangladesh.
The modern diesel locomotives are of WDM3D type and have 3300 horsepower engine designed for speed of 120 km per hour. These locomotives have a residual life of 28 years or more which is suitable for hauling freight as well as passenger trains. The locomotives are equipped with microprocessor-based control systems, an Indian Railway statement said.
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The ergonomic layout of the driver’s cab enhances stress-free driving and also improves visibility for safe running. The locomotives have been designed with maintenance-friendly features for quick and easier maintenance.
Indian Railways has modified the locomotives to suit the maximum height restrictions suggested by Bangladesh Railways.
Indian Railways also stated that it is keen to partner with Bangladesh Railways for the supply and maintenance of all types of rolling stock.
While speaking on the occasion, Goyal said, "India and Bangladesh have come a long way in the last few years. The leadership of both the countries are committed to reviving pre-1965 Railway connection. Out of the 7 rail links, 4 are functional now. To further strengthen rail connectivity in the region, 1 new rail link between Agartala in India and Akhaura in Bangladesh is being constructed and financed under Grant assistance of India."
He also committed complete unstinted and unlimited support to Bangladesh in its development of rail network. He underscored the significance of Railway Corporation in enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity and in further boosting the economic partnership between the two countries.
"These locomotives would provide improved train operations within Bangladesh Railways and also for interchange with Indian Railways and strengthen the partnership between both the railways further," the statement added.
During COVID-19, Railways of both the sides maintained a supply chain by stepping up transportation of essential commodities. Parcel trains and container train services have been introduced via Benapole in Bangladesh. India-Bangladesh witnessed the highest exchange of freight operations in June, with a total of 103 freight trains being utilised for carrying essential commodities and raw materials.
The statement of the Ministry of External Affairs added, "Recently, parcel and container train services have also commenced between India and Bangladesh. This is expected to significantly enhance the scope of bilateral trade."
The association of Bangladesh and Indian Railways started way back in 1996 with the export of 10 MG locomotives from Diesel Locomotive Works. As many as 40 more Broad-Gauge locomotives exported over the years from 2001 to 2014. Indian Railways earlier exported 120 passenger coaches in 2016-17.
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