Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off 20 broad gauge (BG) locomotives virtually to Bangladesh in a handing over ceremony which was held in New Delhi on August 7. Railway Minister of Bangladesh Md Nurul Islam Sujan had also joined the event in virtual mode.
“India’s relationship with Bangladesh is civilisational, cultural, social and economic. Prime Ministers of both the countries are playing proactive role to improve bilateral relationship across social, economic and political sectors,” Vaishnaw said during the event.
This delivery fulfils a significant commitment made during Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in October 2019. To meet the specific requirements of Bangladesh Railway, the Indian side has also made appropriate modifications to the locomotives.
Vaishnaw said, “Indian Railways are also playing a vital role in improving and strengthening rail connectivity across the border and improving trade between both the countries. As of now, five BG connectivity are operational, namely GedaDarsana, Benapol- Petrapol, Singhabad- Rohanpur, Radhikapur- Birol and Haldibari-Chilahati. Work on two more- Akhaura-Agartala and Mahihasan-Shahbazpuris progressing well and is likely to be completed and commissioned shortly.”
Railway Minister of Bangladesh Md Nurul Islam Sujan expressed heartfelt gratitude to India for the delivery of locomotives.