Dhaka, Aug 17 (UNB)- Iranian MAPNA Railway Construction and Development Company has expressed interest to extend technical support to the government’s planned introduction of the underground rail service in Dhaka city.

The interest was expressed when a four-member delegation of visiting MAPNA group led by its managing director M Molanejad called on Communication Minister Syed Abul Hossain at his office today (Tuesday).

After the meeting the Communication Minster told reporters that Iranian delegation has expressed interest to provide technical cooperation in operating metro railway in the capital.

He said that he suggested the delegation to formally give the proposal through the Iran government to the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Bangladesh government.

Communication Minister Hossain said the Iranian government earlier had provided railway coach to Bangladesh government.

He said Bangladesh Railway now needs to procure at least 70 locomotives.

He informed reporters that the MAPNA delegation showed interest in supplying locomotives.

The communication minister said a Japanese organization, JAIKA, has been carrying out a feasibility study over the introduction of under ground railway in the capital and it is likely to submit the study report in December.

He further said the Prime Minister is likely to visit Japan in the beginning of the next year when she might seek financial cooperation from the Japanese government for the underground railway.