Dhaka, Sept. 16 -- China is set to provide Bangladesh Railway (BR) with 20 meter-gauge diesel-electric locomotives worth $129.54 million (approximately Tk 1,591 crore) as a grant to help modernise its aging fleet. The Ministry of Railways has submitted a proposal titled "Procurement of 20 Meter-Gauge Diesel Electric Locomotives for Bangladesh Railway under China Grant" to the Economic Relations Division and the Planning Commission. Approval processes are underway to fast-track the project, which is expected to begin in January 2026 and be completed by December 2027.

The total project cost is estimated at Tk 1,635 crore (around $133.12 million), with China funding Tk 1,591 crore and the remaining Tk 44 crore coming from the government tre...