VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the launch of the new Panchagarh Express train to serve Bangladesh's longest railway line that connects the Dhaka Capital with the city of Panchagarh on the northwestern tip last weekend. The Panchagarh Express uses a modern railroad car made by PT INKA Indonesia.

"The train made by PT INKA Indonesia has helped Bangladesh to improve intercity connectivity in Bangladesh," said Indonesian Ambassador Rina Soemarno who was present at the inauguration ceremony of Panchagarh Express in PM Sheikh Hasina's "Gonobhaban" official residence in Dhaka.

In the period of the past month, there have been 2 initial launches of intercity train lines using trains made by PT INKA. Previously on April 25, 2019, the launch of the Bonolota Express train has been serving the nonstop Rajshahi-Dhaka line.

PT INKA's railroad cars which were inaugurated by Bangladeshi PM through videoconferencing are part of the 250 passenger train cars ordered by Bangladesh and will be sent in full in 2019. The 250 passenger trains will join the other 200 cars made by PT INKA which have been sent to Bangladesh in 2006 and 2016.

"Bangladesh needs more modern passenger trains to increase intercity and provincial connectivity across the country. At the same time, the railway network in Bangladesh will be increasingly expanded and modernized to support poverty alleviation programs and improve people's lives, "PM Sheikh Hasina said in the inauguration speech at the Panchagarh Express.

On this occasion the Ambassador Rina Soemarno also stressed, "Indonesia is ready to continue to support the development and modernization of the Bangladesh railroad system. Indonesia is also committed to be a trusted partner of Bangladesh in development and achieving prosperity ".

The Panchagarh Express will serve the longest railway line in Bangladesh,  593 km, which is traveled for around 7 hours. The presence of Panchagarh Express will make it easier for Bangladeshi people to transport, do business and undergo intercity activities. The longest railway line in Bangladesh will depart daily from Panchagarh train station and transit at 4 stations before reaching Dhaka. ( Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka)