Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sepetember 09 : Railway authorities from India and Bangladesh have started a three-day meeting in Dhaka to discuss the revival of passenger train services between the two neighbouring countries.
The talks are focused on restoring cross-border passenger rail connectivity that was suspended in August 2024. While passenger services remain halted, Indian freight trains have continued to operate between the two countries without major disruption.
Mohammad Nazmul Islam, Additional Director General (Operations) of Bangladesh Railway, said discussions are underway to bring back the passenger connections that were previously operational.
Before their suspension, three passenger train services connected Bangladesh with different destinations in India.
The Maitree Express operated between Dhaka Cantonment and Chitpur in Kolkata. The Bandhan Express connected Khulna with Kolkata, while the Mitali Express provided connectivity between Dhaka Cantonment and New Jalpaiguri.
The three services had played an important role in strengthening passenger connectivity between India and Bangladesh, particularly for people travelling between major cities in the two countries.
According to Bangladesh Railway officials, the current discussions are aimed at exploring the possibility of restarting these passenger services following their prolonged suspension.
The three-day meeting in Dhaka comes as both sides assess the conditions and arrangements required to restore cross-border passenger rail operations. Freight movement, however, has continued during the period when passenger services remained suspended.
The outcome of the discussions is expected to provide greater clarity on the future of the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express services.
