Bangladesh to Receive Tk 1,591cr Chinese Grant for Rail Engines16 Sep 2025 07:25
Another little sweetener for Bangla……oh and an extra 20x locomotives could come in useful in any development 😉
China is providing Bangladesh with 20 free meter-gauge diesel-electric locomotives under a $129.54 million (Tk 1,591 crore) grant to ease Bangladesh Railway’s long-running engine crisis. The Ministry of Railways has already submitted the project proposal titled “Procurement of 20 Meter-Gauge Diesel Electric Locomotives under China Grant” to the ERD and Planning Commission, with fast-track approval underway. The project, estimated at Tk 1,635 crore in total, will begin in January 2026 and finish by December 2027. Besides locomotives, it includes spare parts, tools, and training for Bangladeshi engineers and mechanics to ensure technology transfer. Currently, Bangladesh Railway operates 306 locomotives (174 meter-gauge, 132 broad-gauge). Alarmingly, 71% of meter-gauge engines have exceeded their design lifespan, with many over 30–40 years old. Frequent breakdowns, outdated parts, and rising maintenance costs severely disrupt services. Officials warn that without urgent replacements, some eastern routes may shut down entirely. The 20 Chinese locomotives are expected to reduce maintenance costs, fuel use, and delays, while enabling new passenger and freight services. Experts, however, caution that larger long-term investment is essential, as the majority of meter-gauge engines remain beyond service life."
https://www.theabnews.com/news/bangladesh-to-receive-tk-1591cr-chinese-grant-for-rail-engines