India proposed to start a new cross-border train service between Dhaka and Kolkata through Darshana, while Bangladesh focused on improving train service on Chilahati-Holdibari route to strengthen connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan.
The proposals came during a meeting between Railways Minister Mohammad Nurul Islam Sujon and Indian High Commissioner Vikram Kumar Doraiswami after the Indian envoy called on the minister at his office on Monday.
During the meeting, ongoing projects under the Indian Line of Credit (LoC) and upcoming projects were discussed.
According to the Ministry of Railways press release, the Indian high commissioner referred to the train services - Moitree, Bandhan and Mitali - operating between India and Bangladesh.
He said one more train can be operated between Dhaka and Kolkata through Darshana, considering demand of passengers.
The railways minister, however, emphasised developing new cross-border link, including Chilahati-Holdibari.
He said though new rail-line would be developed from Panchagarh to Banglabandha, the Indian side is yet to finalise the station - to be set up on other side of the border. He requested the Indian envoy to consider the issue urgently.
Besides, the minister requested him to take steps to extend the rail-line - being developed from Sirajganj to Bogra under the LoC - up to Shantahar, so that the metre-gauge track between Bogra and Shantahar can be improved to dual-gauge.
Mr Sujon recalled his visit to Indian Coach Manufacturing Factory and showed interest to import tourist coaches for Dhaka-Cox's Bazar rail corridor as well as engines and luggage coaches under the LoC.
The meeting also discussed the problems that the LoC-funded projects are facing, the Khulna-Mongla rail-link project, 3rd and 4th rail-line development from Dhaka to Tongi, Benapole station modernisation, Sirajganj ICD construction, and modern coach manufacturing workshop in Syedpur.
Railways Secretary Dr Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh Railway Director General Dhirendranath Mozumder, Additional DG (Rolling Stock) Mohammad Manjurul Alam Chowdhury and ADG (Operation) Sardar Shahadat Hossain were present in the meeting.
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