Mizan Mohsin, Saidpur
The first consignment of 18 broad-gauge (BG) passenger coaches imported from India for Bangladesh Railway arrived at Saidpur Railway Workshop in Nilphamari on Friday night.
The coaches reached Darshana International Railway Station in Chuadanga on Friday afternoon before being transported to Saidpur after the necessary formalities.
Railway officials told Bangladesh Post that the coaches were procured from India's RITES Limited under a project to purchase 200 BG passenger coaches. They will undergo technical inspections and operational tests at Saidpur before being handed over to the Traffic Department.
Robiul Islam, an engineer with Pakshi Divisional Railway, said the coaches had left Ranaghat station in West Bengal and crossed the Gede checkpoint before reaching Darshana.
Mominul Haque, in-charge of the Carriage Shop at Saidpur Railway Workshop, and Shah Sufi Nur Mohammad, the workshop's Divisional Superintendent, declined to comment.
Project Director Joydul Islam, Pakshi Divisional Commercial Officer Hasina Khatun, Additional Divisional Commercial Officer Faisal Bin Omar, Additional Divisional Transportation Officer Saiful Islam and Darshana International Railway Station Manager Mamunur Rashid were present when the consignment was received.
The consignment comprises 11 non-air-conditioned Shovan Chair coaches, three air-conditioned chair coaches, two air-conditioned sleeper coaches and two air-conditioned power cars with separate compartments for guards and space for passengers' luggage, railway sources said.
The rake left Husenpur in India on October 12 for the Darshana border.
Under an agreement between Bangladesh and India, 200 BG passenger coaches are to be supplied, with the remaining 182 expected to arrive within this year. The Bangladesh government signed a procurement agreement with India's RITES Limited on May 20, 2024, which was revised on November 11, 2025.
After inspection and operational testing, the coaches will be handed over to the Traffic Department for deployment in passenger services. #EK