India, Bangladesh to discuss resumption of cross-border passenger trains
India and Bangladesh plan discussions on reviving cross-border passenger services suspended since 2024. A two-day inter-government meeting in Dhaka will consider Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express, with potential new routes and a possible restart as early as next month pending ministerial approvals
Key takeaways
- Bangladesh and India will hold an Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting in Dhaka to discuss resuming cross-border passenger services.
- The services under consideration are the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express, with possible new routes via Padma Bridge and Rajshahi–Kolkata.
- Restart depends on mutual approvals from the respective ministries in both countries and could occur as early as next month.
What Happened
India and Bangladesh are poised to discuss restarting cross-border passenger rail services that have been suspended since political unrest in 2024 toppled the Bangladeshi government led by Sheikh Hasina. While freight trains resumed in February after a nine-month halt, passenger services have not yet restarted. Bangladesh Railway officials told PTI that a two-day meeting with Indian counterparts in Dhaka will open the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) discussions, with Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express on the agenda.
Potential new arrangements include a proposal to connect Rajshahi with Kolkata and another plan to route the Maitree Express from Dhaka to Kolkata via the Padma Bridge rather than the Jamuna Bridge. If both sides reach an agreement, the three passenger services could restart as early as the following month, subject to approvals from the relevant ministries in both countries. The Maitree and Bandhan services were suspended in July 2024 amid protests, while the Mitali Express last travelled to Dhaka on July 17, 2024 but did not return to India thereafter.
Existing service details: the Maitree Express links Dhaka and Kolkata; the Bandhan Express runs between Khulna and Kolkata; the Mitali Express previously operated between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri.
Reporters note that the information comes from Bangladesh Railway officials cited by PTI, with the meeting set to begin in Dhaka on a Tuesday.
Why It Matters
Restoring passenger rail links would reestablish a direct cross-border transportation corridor that has been paused for years, potentially expanding travel options and cross-border commerce if approved by both governments. The discussion of new routes via Padma Bridge and Rajshahi–Kolkata could alter existing rail alignments and connectivity between the two countries, contingent on ministry-level clearances.
Background
Freight services between India and Bangladesh resumed in February last year after a nine-month suspension. Passenger services have remained halted since mid-2024 following political unrest that affected the Bangladeshi government. The Maitree Express connects Dhaka with Kolkata; the Bandhan Express links Khulna with Kolkata; the Mitali Express connected Dhaka with New Jalpaiguri in the past.
Key Facts
- Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) between Bangladesh and India in Dhaka for two days, starting the next day from Sep 7, 2026 reporting cycle.
- Passenger services discussed: Maitree Express, Bandhan Express, Mitali Express.
- Possible new route: Rajshahi connectivity to Kolkata; Maitree Express via Padma Bridge (Dhaka–Kolkata) instead of Jamuna Bridge.
- Current suspensions: Maitree and Bandhan halted July 2024 due to protests; Mitali last ran July 17, 2024 and did not return to India.
- Restart timing: could be as early as next month if ministries in both countries approve.
What Happens Next
Ministry-level approvals in India and Bangladesh are required to restart any passenger services. The IGRM will determine operational feasibility, timetables, safety and regulatory compliance before services resume.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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