Indian Railways' Centre Likely To Develop Freight Information System For Bangla Railways

With the aim of strengthening bilateral ties with Bangladesh in the rail sector, the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) is likely to develop Freight Operations Information System for Bangla railways.

CRIS is the software arm of Indian Railways.

Besides, India is likely to give diesel engines, tourist coaches, and wagons to Bangladesh Railway, as more intensified engagement between the two neighbouring countries is slated to happen during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's state visit from 5 to 8 September.

Freight Operations Information System, or FOIS, is in operation in Indian Railways to track and monitor the movement of wagons and locomotives on a real-time basis.

The system, developed by CRIS, has played a major role in improved wagon productivity. Now, it is a complete management module for freight trains, handling billing and revenue collections as well.

In addition, India's loco pilots are likely to be allowed to go inside Bangladesh, crossing the border with trains, while 20 diesel locomotives are to be dispatched to the neighbouring country shortly.

Currently, Indian loco pilots are not being allowed to cross the border.

A three-day Inter Government Railways meeting was held in the last week of August where detailed discussions took place between the high-level delegations from both sides.

Such a meeting was last held in Dhaka in 2019 and could not be held after that due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the Bangla delegation was keen on the passenger sector, the Indian side was more keen on the freight sector, as there are heavy constraints in the road sector at both sides — Benapole in Bangladesh and Petrapole in India.

At the moment, queuing of trucks continues for almost a month for transportation of wheat, maize, automobiles, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) goods and parcels.

Since the increased freight movement is expected to reduce road congestion to a great extent, India is keen for more goods movement on the rails.

India is also slated to provide critical support to a few crucial projects, including the gauge conversion of Dhaka-Akhaura line. The frequency of Mitali Express is also expected to increase.

During her visit, Hasina will call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and hold bilateral consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. She is also likely to visit Ajmer.

Hasina last visited New Delhi in October 2019.