Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The government will procure locomotives, passenger coaches, tank wagons, flat wagons and brake-vans for Bangladesh Railway very soon under a credit deal signed with India, Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain said.
This will bring dynamism in the railway and improve its quality, the minister told reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Rajeet Mitter at the communications ministry in Dhaka.
The minister said Bangladesh has signed a US dollar 1 billion deal with India on easy terms. The rate of interest is only 1.7 percent. The equipment for the railway would be procured under this loan agreement, he added.
He said the government is sincere for quick implementation of the projects taken under the Indian credit program.
The minister said Bangladesh Railway has already undertaken a project for procurement of 10 locomotives, 275 passenger coaches, 180 tank wagons and 50 flat wagons under the credit program.
During the meeting, the minister and the Indian envoy reviewed the progress of the projects taken under the Indian loan.
The minister told a questioner that the government has taken initiatives to establish direct road and rail links with all neighboring countries, including India, Myanmar, China, Nepal and Bhutan.
BBN/SI/AD-07Oct10-11:06 am (BST)