India delivers 290 buses

India has completed delivering a consignment of 290 double-decker buses, amounting to $ 23.32 million, to Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC).
The project for procurement of the buses was approved under the $ 1 billion Indian Line of Credit.
Of the buses, 180 are already plying Dhaka roads while 110 wait at the depot for distribution.
The contract of the buses' procurement was given to M/s Ashok Leyland Ltd, India with effect from September, 2011.
The delivery of the buses started in March this year and the last lot of the buses arrived in Chaitipur BRTC depot on October 30.
Alongside, two truck-loads of spare parts have also arrived in the capital.
Meanwhile, deliveries of 165 broad gauge tank wagons with six brake vans, 81 meter gauge tank wagons with three brake vans, and six diesel locomotives are expected to begin in the first half of 2013, said a press release of the Indian High Commission yesterday.
It said the construction work of the second Bhairab rail bridge over Meghna river, the second rail bridge over Titas river and third and fourth rail line between Dhaka-Tongi would commence next year.
Two more contracts for supply of 88 air-conditioned buses and 50 articulated buses have been signed between BRTC and M/s Ashok Leyland Ltd, India, under the Indian credit line, delivery of which is expected to commence next month.
Ten contracts have so far been signed for supply of buses, tank wagons, diesel locomotives, flat wagons, consultancy for new rail lines and railway bridges.
Meantime, India has reduced the credit component of the $ 1 billion credit line by converting $ 200 million into grants.