Class 2900

Bangladesh Railway Class 2900
Locomotive 2902 at Sylhet Rail Station
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Designer Electro Motive Division Builder Hyundai Rotem Serial number 2901-2939 Model GT18LA-2 Build date 1999-2013 Total produced 39
Specifications Wheelbase A1A-A1A Loco weight 72 ton
Performance figures Maximum speed 107 kph Power output 1500 hp
Career Current owner Bangladesh Railway

Bangladesh Railway Class 2900 is currently (as of 2017) the most frequently used meter-gauge diesel electric locomotive of Bangladesh Railway. This reliable locomotive series has been in service since 1999. Currently, Bangladesh Railway has a total 39 locomotives of this class. These 39 locomotives are being used in both passenger and freight services.

Class 2900 locomotives are mainly built by Hyundai Rotem of South Korea under License of EMD. These 39 locomotives came to Bangladesh in 4 phases. They are-

Bangladesh Railway Class 2900 is a 1500 hp locomotive. The Electro Motive Division export model of this locomotive is GT18L-2. The wheel arrangement of this locomotive is A1A-A1A. This locomotive can speed up to 107 Kph with passenger trains. Class 2900 locomotives have a similar specification to Bangladesh Railway Class 2600 locomotives.

Bangladesh Railway specification of this locomotive is 'M.E.I -15'. Here - M stands for meter-gauge, E Stands for diesel electric, I stands for Hyundai Rotem and 15 stands for locomotive horsepower (x100).

The Class 2900 locomotive can be used both for passenger services and freight services. It is highly recommended for prominent Bangladeshi trains like Subarna Express, Sonarbangla Express,Parabat Express etc. Long distance trains like Lalmoni Express always run with Class 2900 locomotives.

The Class 2900 locomotive is considered efficient for freight services as well. It pulls containers, oil tankers and other departmental freight trains regularly across the country.

Class 2900 Locomotives are maintained in the following workshops :

Number 2933 was one of the newest locomotives of Class 2900 which met a fatal accident in Noyapara upazila, Habiganj district on 7 October 2016. The locomotive caught fire soon after it derailed with the Parabat Express near Noapara rail station. The driver's cab and electrical cabinet of the locomotive were completely destroyed in the fire. The locomotive is now waiting for heavy repair.