Rajshahi-Kolkata intercity passenger train soon

RAJSHAHI, Nov 21: Rajshahi- Kolkata intercity passenger train service, the third Moitree Express train, is likely to be introduced soon, Fazley Hossain Badsha, MP, Rajshahi Sadar constituency told journalists recently.

"After Dhaka-Kolkata and Khulna- Kolkata train services, the introduction of Rajshahi- Kolkata passenger train service, a popular demand, will be fulfilled", Badsha said adding that Indian authorities have already made a positive response in this regard.

Fazley Hossain Badsha further mentioned a policy- making discussion on regional communications with India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh will be held in Rajshahi next month where the issue of introduction of Rajshahi- Kolkata train service will get priority.

It is learnt, before the partition in 1947, there was a direct rail link between Rajshahi and Kolkata through Maldah and Murshedabad but later on, the rail communication was snapped.

Badsha said hundreds of people from Rajshahi visit Koltkata and other parts of India for various purposes including treatment, and considering the necessities of those people he proposed introduction of a passenger train to the Indian authorities concerned through the Indian High Commissioner. The Indian railway authorities have sent his proposal for approval of the ministry and he would once again raise the issue to the Indian authorities concerned next month and expects a positive response in this connection.

Sources said, though Dhaka-Kolkata and Khulna-Kolkata trains cross the border at Gede the proposed Rajshahi-Kolkata train will cross the Indian border at Rohanpur-Singabad stations and reach Howrah through Singabdad, Maldah, Farakka, Katoa and Khagraghat.

bwjs123@gmail.com