Hopes are rising for the resumption of passenger train services between India and Bangladesh, with railway officials from the two countries set to hold a two-day meeting in Dhaka from Tuesday. The discussions are expected to focus on restarting the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services, which have remained suspended for an extended period.
According to reports from Bangladesh, the two sides have already finalised several issues for discussion. If an agreement is reached and the necessary approvals are secured from the concerned ministries, passenger train services could potentially resume as early as October.
India has also reportedly shown interest in restarting the three cross-border services. The final decision, however, will involve several ministries, including foreign affairs and home affairs, on both sides. Any formal announcement regarding the resumption is expected to come from the two governments.
Bangladesh is also expected to propose a new train service connecting Rajshahi with Kolkata. Another proposal involves changing the Maitree Express route. Instead of operating through the Jamuna Bridge, Bangladesh may seek to run the train across the Padma Bridge.
The Maitree Express has been suspended since July 19, 2024, amid political unrest in Bangladesh. The Bandhan and Mitali services were also affected by the broader disruption in cross-border connectivity.
Around two months ago, the Indian mission in Dhaka reportedly approached the Indian Railway Ministry regarding the possible revival of the Maitree Express. Preparations were subsequently allowed to begin, including consideration of restoring its earlier five-day-a-week schedule.
The upcoming Dhaka talks could therefore mark an important step towards restoring rail connectivity between the two neighbours.
