India hands over 20 broad gauge locomotives to Bangladesh
Twenty broad gauge (BG) locomotives were virtually handed over to Bangladesh in a ceremony held today at the Rail Bhavan in New Delhi.
The handing over of the diesel locomotives, under grant assistance from the Indian government, fulfils "an important commitment" made during the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to India, in October 2019, reports our New Delhi correspondent.
In keeping with the requirements of Bangladesh Railway, the locomotives have been suitably modified by the Indian side, an official statement said adding these locomotives will help handle the increasing volume of passenger and freight train operations in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan and his Indian counterpart Ashwini Vaishnaw joined the event virtually. The event was also attended by AK Lahoti, chairman and CEO of India's Railway Board, board members, and senior officials of the Indian Railway Board, and delegates of Bangladesh.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Nurul Islam Sujan said, "I express my gratitude to the Indian government for their support. In June 2020, the Indian government provided 10 locomotives to Bangladesh as grants. We express our heartfelt gratitude to India for providing broad gauge locomotives.
"The supply of locomotives will help to improve both goods and passenger trains. We hope that existing collaboration between two countries regarding Railways sector will increase day by day," Sujan added.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "India's relationship with Bangladesh is civilisational, cultural, social, and economic. Prime ministers of both countries are playing proactive roles to improve bilateral relationship across social, economic, and political sectors.
"Indian Railways are also playing a vital role in improving and strengthening rail connectivity across the border and improving trade between both the countries," he said.
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