India and Bangladesh Poised to Resume Cross-Border Passenger Train Services
Dhaka: Efforts to bridge the connectivity gap between India and Bangladesh are gaining significant momentum as high-level officials from both nations signal an imminent return of cross-border passenger train services. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, met with Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping, and Railways, Shaikh Rabiul Alam, in Dhaka this week to iron out the final details for restarting the long-awaited transit routes.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM), an annual bilateral forum dedicated to coordinating cross-border rail infrastructure, freight transit, and passenger operations. Both sides highlighted that the resumption of these services is a top priority, aimed at bolstering economic engagement and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Prioritizing the Common Commuter
Highlighting his background as a former Railway Minister in India, High Commissioner Trivedi emphasized the importance of affordable rail transport for the average citizen. “The common person relies on railways. That is our responsibility,” Trivedi remarked. He noted that while passenger services were suspended, freight movement continued to thrive, even seeing a doubling of volume—a trend he described as a positive indicator of robust bilateral trade.
Addressing the media following the talks, Trivedi expressed optimism regarding a quick resolution. “We are expecting good news in that direction soon. The effort is to make it happen at the earliest,” he said, hinting that a fixed date for the resumption of services could be announced shortly.
Improving Efficiency and Connectivity
A key focus of the current negotiations is the reduction of travel time between the two nations. Currently, some routes require upwards of nine to eleven hours, a duration officials are keen to shorten. Technical discussions are reportedly underway to explore ways to reduce transit times, with the potential integration of the Padma Bridge route being a key point of evaluation.
“We are looking at how a route taking six to seven hours can be reduced by three. Whether we can utilize the Padma Bridge—these are the technical discussions happening right now,” Trivedi explained.
The Return of Key Transit Links
Sources indicate that authorities are pushing to restart the three major passenger trains that connect the two countries as early as next month, provided all final clearances are secured. These services include:
- Maitree Express: The pioneering service linking Kolkata and Dhaka, which serves as a vital artery for international travel between the two capitals.
- Bandhan Express: The express link between Kolkata and Khulna, facilitating shorter cross-border trips.
- Mitali Express: The most recently inaugurated service connecting New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal with Dhaka Cantonment, which was launched in 2021 to boost regional tourism and trade.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka noted on social media that the discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including shipping and infrastructure projects. As the IGRM meeting concludes, the focus remains on transforming these high-level deliberations into tangible travel options for thousands of citizens who rely on these cross-border rail links for work, medical care, and family visits. With both nations aligned on the economic and social necessity of these routes, the return of train connectivity appears to be only weeks away.
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