Move to revive train services initiated

Bangladesh and India are set to discuss the resumption of three cross-border passenger train services, Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express, at a two-day annual railway meeting beginning in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The meeting of the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM)�" one of the dozens of established bilateral institutional frameworks between Bangladesh and India, will be held at Rail Bhaban, where railway officials from the two countries are expected to review a range of issues concerning bilateral rail connectivity.

After more than two years of suspension, Bangladesh and India are once again taking formal steps to restore cross-border passenger train services, with the possible resumption of Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express expected to be a key issue at the upcoming IGRM meeting. Bangladesh Railway officials said there is a possibility of resuming the three services from next month if both countries reach an agreement. 

However, the final decision will require clearance from the relevant authorities, including the foreign and home ministries of both countries.

Bangladesh will also propose launching a new passenger train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata at the meeting, officials said. Besides, Bangladesh Railway is expected to express its interest in operating the Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express via the Padma Bridge, which could provide a faster and more direct rail connection between the two cities.