Bangladesh Railway has signed an agreement with a Chinese firm to procure 580 meter-gaudge wagons, involving Tk 318.63 crore, with a view to expand its freight services across the country.

Project director concerned Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and Dai Zien, vice-president of  CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC) signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides on Tuesday.

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Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan was present at the signing ceremony.

“The government has taken various projects to establish rail communications in different parts of the country. Besides, an initiative has been taken to expand rail connectivity with the neighbouring countries,” said the Minister.

The Chinese company will provide the wagons within 18-30 months of the deal, he said.

Already five Bangladesh-India inter-change points out of eight have been launched and the work on the rest inter-change points is underway, he added.

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Rail communications with Mongla Port has been established and the work to inaugurate the Cox’s Bazar rail line by December next year is going on in  the full swing, said the Minister.

Director General of  Bangladesh Railway Dhirendra Nath Mazumder, Railways secretary Selim Reza were, among others, present.