DHAKA: A total of 120 broad-gauge passenger coaches are going to be added to the fleet of Bangladesh Railway to ensure a smooth and safe transportation of passengers.

Bangladesh Railway and Indian train coach supplier company RITES Limited singed a deal to procure the 120 broad-gauge coaches at rail Bhaban in city Wednesday noon.

In the singing ceremony, Rail Minister Mujibul Haque said under the deal, with financed by India, the 2-year term project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2017.

The minister also said the passenger coaches would be purchased at TK 975.96 crore. Of those, government will finance TK 275.49 crore.  After adding the new coaches in the fleet, Railway authority will be able to ensure better service for passengers.

Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pankaj Saran,  Bangladesh Railway Secretary Mansur Ali Shikder, Railway director general Amjad Hossain, RITES Limited chairman and managing director  Rajib Malhotra. 

BDST: 1448 HRS, JAN 21, 2015