India transfers 10 diesel locomotives to Bangladesh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 27

India and Bangladesh have further strengthened their communication ties with the transfer of 10 diesel locomotives. Indian Railways has sent WDM3D locomotives which were specifically requested by the Bangladesh side after an inspection.

Based on technology by General Motors, the Railways had modified the engines to Indian conditions and had even altered the microprocessor that had given teething troubles.

These engines, manufactured at Varanasi, are already doing duty on new lines laid in northern Sri Lanka as part of Colombo’s efforts to bring development to the region after the end of the civil war with LTTE.

The WDM3D has also been exported to Myanmar.

Indian Railways first began exporting locomotives to Bangladesh in 1996 and since then it has supplied an estimated 50 locomotives of different gauges and variations.

More important, the export of diesel locos will open up an avenue for India which has a high quality of expertise in this area but is tapering off their production as it is shifting to much more powerful diesel locos and electric traction.

On the other hand the traffic load in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh and even Pakistan is not high enough to justify huge capital investment in the electrification of tracks. Hence, such locos with mid-range horse power are ideal for these nations whereas India has a huge production base and immense experience in their upkeep. India produced about 600 diesel engines of this make, of which about 500 are still in operation.

In line with this thinking, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said Indian Railways is keen to partner with Bangladesh Railways for the supply and maintenance of all types of rolling stock. These locos will also enable interchange with Indian Railways.