India hands over 10 broad gauge locomotives to Dhaka

| | NEW DELHI
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India hands over 10 broad gauge locomotives to Dhaka

Tuesday, 28 July 2020 | Staff Reporter | NEW DELHI

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Monday virtually flagged off 10 Broad Gauge (BG) locomotives to Bangladesh to help it fulfill requirements of Bangladesh Railway.

The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Railways Suresh C. Angadi. Minister of Railway Nurul Islam Sujan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abul Kalam Abdul Momen from the Bangladesh end received the locomotives on behalf of the government of Bangladesh.

The railways in a statement said that the handing over of these locomotives under grant assistance from the Government of India fulfills an important commitment made during the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to India in October 2019.

In keeping with the requirements of Bangladesh Railway, the locomotives have been suitably modified by the Indian side, it said.

Speaking on the occasion, S Jaishankar said, “I am glad to know that parcel and container trains have been started between both the countries. This will open up new opportunities for our businesses. I am happy to note that movement of trade by rail has been ensured,”

Jaishankar further said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of essentials particularly in the holy month of Ramadan was ensured. He further highlighted the depth of time tested India-Bangladesh ties, based on mutual trust and respect. He expressed his happiness that the COVID pandemic had not slowed down the pace of bilateral cooperation and conveyed that he looked forward to more such milestones in the ongoing historic Mujib Barsho.

Goyal said, “These locomotives will be useful in handling the on-going freight train operations between India and Bangladesh. We have been huge strides forward in our respective efforts at achieving development,”

India and Bangladesh have come a long way in the last few years, he said, adding that the bilateral relationship between both the countries is at its very best.

“Our neighbourhood policy follows PM  Narendra Modi ji's vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas. The present leadership are committed to reviving the pre-1965 railway connection between the two countries. Out of the seven rail links that existed then, four are functional now,” he said.

To further strengthen rail connectivity in the region, one new rail link, between Agartala in India and Akhaura in Bangladesh is being constructed and financed under grant assistance from India, it said.

The ministry further said that during COVID-19, both Railways have shown exemplary foresight in managing the crisis and maintained the supply chain by stepping up transportation of essential commodities.

“Parcel train and container train services have been introduced via Benapole in Bangladesh. Both these services have already started in the month of July. These have enabled us to move a wide range of products from both sides. Railways have ensured that the two countries can continue our bilateral trade without any disruption and health risk,” it added.

Goyal also committed support to Bangladesh in its development of the Bangladesh rail network. He underscored the significance of railway cooperation in enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity and in further boosting the economic partnership between the two countries.

In recent times, India and Bangladesh have stepped up their rail cooperation in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as trade via land border faced disruptions. Rail as a cost effective and environmental friendly solution, has helped in transporting essential commodities across the border, it said.

“Both sides saw the highest ever exchange of freight trains in the month of June. A total of 103 freight trains were utilized for carrying essential commodities and raw materials,” it added.

Recently, parcel and container train services have also commenced between India and Bangladesh. The move is expected to significantly enhance the scope of bilateral trade.

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