Bangladesh Railway will procure a total of 125 luggage vans-where 50 broad-gauge and 75 metre-gauge, to develop railway’s cargo transportation services easier and wider.
“Bangladesh Railway has taken huge initiatives in developing its freight services along with railway construction and renovations including improving quality services for the passengers”, said Railway Minister M Nurul Islam Sujan who attended at the agreement signing ceremony on Monday at the Rail Bhaban in the city.
Bangladesh and China signed the agreement to procure these luggage vans. The luggage vans procurement cost will be at Taka 358.39 crore.
Railway Project Director M Mizanur Rahman and Chinese joint venture firm China National Technical Import and Export Company’s Deputy General Manger Yang Bing signed the agreement respectively on behalf Bangladesh and China.
Bangladesh will get the delivery of these cargo compartments within 20 months since signing of the agreement and the delivery will conclude within 27 months.
BR had long been providing freight services with its 55 metre-gauge and 10 broad-gauge luggage vans, said an official release ,adding the state-owned train operator last purchased such vans in 1980.
The luggage vans are being procured after long 40 years later, said the minister as procurement of these additional luggage vans will enhance the transportation of different farm products smoothly on the railway to and from the capital.
“The vans are equipped with stainless steel, air-conditioned, high speed compartment and automatic air-brake system , will easily and safely reach the common and specialized products including different foods and perishable goods to the destination in short time” the release added.
Bangladesh Railway Director General M Shamsuzzaman along with other senior railway officials were attended the function while the Railway Secretary M Selim Reza chaired it.
