India hands over 10 diesel engines to Bangladesh strengthening country's railway infrastructure

New Delhi: India on Monday handed over ten broad gauge (BG) diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, strengthening the neighbouring country's railway infrastructure. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar flagged off the locomotives online in the presence of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and several dignitaries from across the border.

All ten locomotives have a residual life of 28 years or more. These are WDM-3D type, a class of diesel-electric locomotive. The model name stands for broad gauge, diesel, a mixed-traffic engine with 3,300 horsepower with a speed of 120 kmph.

These are suitable for hauling freight as well as passenger trains and is a microprocessor-based control system. The ergonomic layout of the driver’s cab is for stress-free driving and improved visibility for safer running. The Indian Railways has also modified the locomotives to suit the maximum height restrictions in Bangladesh Railways.

These locomotives would provide improved train operations within Bangladesh and also for interchange with Indian Railways and strengthen the partnership between both railways further.

The physical location of the handover was the Gede station of the Eastern Railways in West Bengal's Nadia district and the receiving station was Darshana in Bangladesh.

In recent times, India and Bangladesh have stepped up their rail cooperation in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as trade via land border faced disruptions.

Rail as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution has helped in transporting essential commodities across the border. Both sides saw the highest ever exchange of freight trains in the month of June. A total of 103 freight trains were utilized for carrying essential commodities and raw materials.

The handing over of these locomotives, under grant assistance from the Centre, fulfils an important commitment made during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, in October 2019. In keeping with the requirements of Bangladesh Railway, the locomotives have been suitably modified by the Indian side. These locomotives will help handle the increasing volume of passenger and freight train operations in Bangladesh.

Speaking on the occasion, Jaishankar said, “I am delighted to join this ceremony of handing over 10 locomotives to Bangladesh. I am glad to know that parcel and container trains have been started between both countries. This will open up new opportunities for our businesses. I am happy to note that the movement of a trade by rail has been ensured. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of essentials particularly in the holy month of Ramadan was ensured.”

He further highlighted the depth of time tested India-Bangladesh ties, based on mutual trust and respect. He expressed his happiness that the COVID pandemic had not slowed down the pace of bilateral cooperation and conveyed that he looked forward to more such milestones in the ongoing historic Mujib Barsho.

Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said, “It gives me immense pleasure to hand over 10 broad gauge locomotives for the use of Bangladesh Railways. These locomotives will be useful in handling the on-going freight train operations between India & Bangladesh. To ensure the usability of these locos in Bangladesh, they have been modified. We have been huge strides forward in our respective efforts at achieving development & growth. India & Bangladesh have come a long way in the last few years. Our bilateral relationship today is at its very best. Our neighbourhood policy follows PM Narendra Modi's vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas. The leadership of both, India & Bangladesh, are committed to reviving the pre-1965 railway connection between the two countries."

He added, "Out of the 7 rail links that existed then, 4 are functional now. To further strengthen rail connectivity in the region, one new rail link, between Agartala in India and Akhaura in Bangladesh is being constructed & finance under Grant Assistance of India. During COVID-19, both Railways have shown exemplary foresight in managing the crisis and maintained the supply chain by stepping up the transportation of essential commodities. Parcel train and container train services have been introduced via Benapole in Bangladesh. Both these services have already started in the month of July. These have enabled us to move a wide range of products from both sides. Railways have ensured that the two countries can continue our bilateral trade without any disruption & health risk. Both Railways are ensuring a better future for the people.”

During his address, Goyal also committed complete, unstinted and unlimited support to Bangladesh in its development of Bangladesh rail network. He underscored the significance of railway cooperation in enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity and in further boosting the economic partnership between the two countries. Recently, parcel and container train services have also commenced between India and Bangladesh. This is expected to significantly enhance the scope of bilateral trade.