The first consignment of 18 modern broad-gauge railway coaches, supplied under an agreement between Bangladesh Railway and India’s Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), is scheduled to enter Bangladesh from India through Darshana International Railway Station in Chuadanga on Friday afternoon.
The coaches are expected to reach the Darshana border around 1:30pm before being transported to the Saidpur Railway Workshop after customs formalities are completed.
Mamunur Rashid, station manager of Darshana International Railway Station, said the coaches were manufactured in Punjab's Kapurthala and began their journey to Bangladesh on October 12.
The coaches are currently stationed at Ranaghat Junction Railway Station in West Bengal.
After completing the necessary formalities at Gede in India, the coaches will enter Bangladesh through the Joynagar border point in Darshana, he said.
The consignment comprises 18 coaches, including three air-conditioned sleeper coaches, three air-conditioned chair cars, 11 non-air-conditioned chair cars and one power car.
Upon arrival at the Saidpur Railway Workshop, the coaches will undergo necessary inspections and technical assessments, Mamunur Rashid said, adding that preparations will then be made to integrate them into passenger train services. - UNB