Bangladesh Railway is set to enhance its services by procuring 200 broad gauge passenger carriages from India, aimed at providing passengers with modern, safe, and comfortable travel experiences. The agreement, valued at Tk1,205.54 crore, was signed between Bangladesh Railway and the Indian company RITES Limited.
Financed jointly by the European Investment Bank and the Bangladesh government, the project will see the delivery of the carriages starting within 20 months, with all 200 units expected to be delivered within 36 months. These carriages will feature stainless steel construction, high-speed bogies, roof-mounted AC systems, automatic air brake systems, and environmentally friendly designs.
Despite a two-year delay in the signing of the contract, attributed to challenges in finding and appointing consultants for the project, it is expected to significantly enhance the railway’s services. The project aims to increase the availability of carriages, operate trains on new routes to meet rising demand, replace outdated carriages, and boost railway revenue.