India and Bangladesh are likely to explore the restoration of cross-border passenger train services that have been suspended since the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024, with railway officials from
both countries set to meet in Dhaka this week, according to a report by Moneycontrol.
The discussions will take place during a two-day Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) beginning Tuesday, where the two sides are expected to examine the possibility of bringing back the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services.
“We are set to discuss matters relating to re-launching of the railway services – Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express – in the IGRM (Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting) starting tomorrow,” Money Control quoted a Bangladesh railway official familiar with the development as saying.
The Maitree Express links Dhaka with Kolkata, while the Bandhan Express connects Khulna with Kolkata. The Mitali Express had operated between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
Rajshahi-Kolkata Passenger Train On Bangladesh’s agenda
Dhaka is also expected to put forward a proposal for a new passenger train between Rajshahi in north-western Bangladesh and Kolkata during the talks.
Bangladesh may further seek a change in the Maitree Express route. Under the proposal, the service could travel between Dhaka and Kolkata through the newly built Padma Bridge rather than the existing route via the Jamuna Bridge.
“If both sides agree, the Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express trains could resume operations by next month,” the official said to Moneycontrol.
Railway authorities in India are also understood to favour the restoration of passenger services. However, restarting the trains or introducing a new cross-border route would require clearances from the foreign, home and other relevant ministries of the two countries.
Officials from these ministries are expected to participate in the railway meeting. The final call on restoring passenger connectivity will rest with the political leadership of India and Bangladesh.
Why Were The Trains Suspended?
The passenger services were disrupted after violent protests erupted across Bangladesh in July 2024.
The Maitree and Bandhan Express services were first cancelled between July 19 and August 6 in 2024, but their suspension was subsequently extended indefinitely. The Mitali Express made its final journey to Dhaka on July 17, 2024, and did not operate its return trip, according to Indian Railway officials.
The rail disruption continued as Bangladesh went through a major political transition.
India, Bangladesh Ties Strain After Hasina’s Exit
Then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina left for India on August 5, 2024, following weeks of deadly protests that forced her Awami League government from power.
An interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus subsequently assumed office.
The political transition was followed by strained ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, with Hasina’s continued presence in India becoming a major point of contention. Bangladesh has sought her extradition.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won the country’s general election earlier this year, replacing the Yunus-led interim administration. Despite the change in government, several issues continue to affect India-Bangladesh relations.
Freight Trains Already Back On Track
While passenger connectivity remains suspended, freight movement between the two countries has resumed. Freight train operations were restored in February last year after a nine-month halt.
The upcoming IGRM could therefore mark an important step towards restoring passenger rail connectivity, while also opening discussions on new routes and expanding the railway network linking India and Bangladesh.
