On July 23, 2023, India and Bangladesh signed a contract for installation of computer based interlocking signalling system for Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur rail line at Rail Bhaban, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- The project is being implemented under the Line of Credit (LoC) extended by India to Bangladesh.
Signatories:
It was signed in the presence of Railway Minister of Bangladesh Md. Nurul Islam Sujon and High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh Pranay Verma.
Key Points:
i.Implementation of this project will ease congestion and improve efficiency of Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebour section which is one of the busiest rail lines in Bangladesh.
ii.There are 17 Indian-assisted projects in the railway sector in Bangladesh worth approx. USD 2 billion accounting for 20% of the total commitment under Indian concessional loans being in Bangladesh’s railway sector.
iii.The Governments of both nations are collaborating to build critical connectivity infrastructure and enhancing connectivity links that can strengthen bilateral economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.
BR signs deal with Indian Company to Develop Rail Signaling System
Bangladesh Railway (BR) has appointed the Mumbai, Maharashtra based Indian company, KEC International Limited, to develop signaling systems for the under-construction 3rd and 4th dual-gauge rail tracks from Dhaka to Tongi and double-line dual gauge from Tongi to Joydebpur.
- It is a Tk (Bangladeshi Taka) 3.49-billion contract.
Signatories:
It was signed by Project Director Naznin Ara Keya, Bangladesh and Subharjit Jaha, India in the presence of Bangladesh’s Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujon, and Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma at Rail Bhaban, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
What will be done under the contract?
The Indian company is tasked with design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the computer-based interlocked signaling system at seven stations, including selected level crossings, along with optical fiber cable-based telecommunication systems. There will also be be installation of optical fibre cable-based telecommunication systems for blocked operation
- The project, initiated by BR in 2012 under the Indian Line of Credit, will take 30 months, including a 12-month defect liability period.
- However, due to delays, the project cost increased to Tk 33.42 billion, and the completion deadline was revised four times to June 2027 since construction began in 2019.
Recent Related News:
i.In its 63rd Literature Festival, the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) bestowed the SAARC Literature Award 2023 (Special Literary Award) to Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
ii.On 24th April 2023, a former judge, freedom fighter Mohammed (Md) Sahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd president of Bangladesh in Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban, Dhaka in Bangladesh.
About Bangladesh:
Prime Minister (PM)– Sheikh Hasina
Capital– Dhaka
Currency– Bangladeshi Taka
