AMN/ WEB DESK
Bangladesh received 10 broad-gauge locomotives from India on Monday. In an online handing over ceremony, the locomotives were flagged off from Gede station in India by the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal. The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Railways Angadi Suresh.
From the Bangladesh side Minister of Railway, Md. Nurul Islam Sujan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr A.K. Abdul Momen received the locomotives on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh.
The locomotives arrived at the Darshana station of Bangladesh after being flagged off at the Gede railway station on the Indian side.
The locomotives have been modified to suit the requirement of Bangladesh railways. These locomotives will help handle the increasing volume of passenger and freight train operations in Bangladesh.
Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the importance of railway cooperation in enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity between the two countries. He said that India is committed to restoring all the pre-existing railway lines operational between India and Bangladesh before 1965.
He also commended the recent initiatives of the railways like starting of the parcel train and container services between the two countries. He said these have helped in minimising the supply chain disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the depth of the time-tested ties between India and Bangladesh.
Railway cooperation between India and Bangladesh has grown substantially over the years. India has extended a Line of Credit (LoC) worth over 2.4 billion dollars for 17 railway projects out of which 9 have been completed.
The railway link from Agartala to Akhaura in Bangladesh is also being built under grant in aid scheme to connect Tripura with Bangladesh by railways.