Government sets up investigation panel to verify details of the acquisition of 30 locomotives
The Ministry of Railways in Bangladesh has established an investigation committee to scrutinize the draft specifications for the procurement of 30-metre gauge locomotives for the Bangladesh Railway (BR). The committee, tasked with ensuring a transparent and competitive tender process, will submit its report within the next 15 working days.
Role of the Investigation Committee
The committee, led by Dr. Sheik Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and Ministry of Railways, will review the locomotives' performance, component standards, modern technology incorporation, energy efficiency, spare parts availability, international acceptance, and suitability for Bangladesh's environment.
Members of the Committee
The committee comprises key figures from the railways sector and academia. Dr. Moinuddin serves as the convener, holding the rank of state minister. The member secretary is the Additional Director General (Rolling Stock) of the Bangladesh Railway. Other members include the Director General of Bangladesh Railway, the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), and a professor from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The committee also has the authority to co-opt additional members if necessary.
Objective of the Committee
The objective of the committee is to scrutinize the draft specifications prepared for the procurement under the project titled "Conversion of Chattogram-Dohazari metre gauge railway into dual gauge railway." The committee aims to respond to public concerns by ensuring the specifications align with technical, operational, and efficiency standards essential for BR's needs.
Current Procurement Process
The procurement process for 30-metre gauge locomotives is underway as part of the 'Conversion of Chattogram-Dohazari meter gauge railway into dual gauge railway' project implemented by BR. The BR has already prepared draft specifications for the procurement process.
The committee's mandate includes verifying the draft specifications, considering performance, modern technology, energy efficiency, availability of spare parts, international acceptance, and usability in the Bangladesh environment.
The report submitted by the committee will provide valuable insights and recommendations to the Ministry of Railways, ensuring a well-informed decision-making process for the procurement of 30-metre gauge locomotives.
- In light of the procurement process for 30-metre gauge locomotives, the committee will examine the draft specifications, particularly focusing on their alignment with the financial, technical, and operational standards of both the railways industry and public-transit sector.
- To optimize transportation efficiency and promote financial sustainability, the committee's recommendations, based on their scrutiny of the draft specifications, will influence the selection of 30-metre gauge locomotives suitable for the Bangladesh Railway (BR) and consistent with international finance and industry benchmarks.
