Bangladesh Railways has agreed to procure 200 broad gauge passenger coaches from India’s state-owned Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES). The contract was formalized at the Railway Building’s Jamuna Auditorium on Monday.

According to the agreement, delivery of these coaches will begin in 20 months and is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Railways Minister Zillul Hakim acknowledged the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and India.

While a delivery timeframe has been outlined, the contract does not specify exact delivery dates, which is a flexibility the minister believes will be advantageous for Bangladesh. He hoped two sets of carriages could be delivered in the next two months, with the rest following the agreed schedule.

Minister Zillul also expressed frustration over the slow pace of work by railway officials. They estimated a five- to six-month period for delivery without prioritizing faster procurement despite the urgent need for more coaches.

Railway Secretary Humayun Kabir highlighted recent improvements in rail connectivity in the southern region, which have enhanced communication between Dhaka and the southern districts. 

Director General of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Shahadat Ali emphasized the project’s goals of expanding communication networks, establishing rail connectivity across the country, and enhancing passenger services. 

The project, which runs from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026, has an estimated total cost of nearly Tk 13 billion, funded by the government and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Each compartment will cost over Tk 60 million.

Initially, the EIB will cover the material costs. After the coaches arrive in Bangladesh, 35 percent of the funds will be used for unloading at Chattogram port, amounting to approximately Tk 30.3 million, which the government will provide.

The new coaches will feature stainless steel bodies, high-speed capabilities, roof-mounted air conditioning units, automatic air brake systems, and environmentally friendly designs. These coaches will be integrated into trains serving the country’s southwestern part, further enhancing the region’s rail services.