DHAKA, Feb 14, (BSS) - An agreement has been signed between Bangladesh Railway and joint consultancy firm Oriental Consultancy Global Company Limited (Japan) for carrying out preparatory work for feasibility study and detailed design of different projects.

Project Director Mahbubur Rahman and GM Yuji Asano signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh Railway and Oriental Consultancy Global Company Limited (Japan) respectively at Rail Bhaban here, said a press release.

At the contract signing ceremony, Railways Minister M Nurul Islam Sujan said that various projects have been undertaken to develop an advanced and modern railway communication system. 

"Short, medium and long term plans till 2045 have been adopted and the railways are being developed with a view to developing a balanced communication system," he said.

"The government made a separate ministry in 2011 for the development of railway system. Traditionally, we have had a fragile rail system from there initiatives have been taken to revamp the rail sector.

"We have decided in principle to convert the entire country to single gauge, for this purpose, all meter gauges will be converted to broad gauge in phases," he said.

Regarding the consultancy service, the Railway Minister said, Bangladesh Railways is working to build its own consultancy firm by combining all officers who are leaving the service. By this, the country's own capacity will be developed as well as the country's money will be saved.

The project will be implemented with a total of Tk 205.37 crore financing from the Asian Development Bank and the government of Bangladesh, said a press release.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir, presided over the signing ceremony. Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md. Kamrul Ahsan and senior officials were present at this time.