Indo-Bangla train traffic to resume May 29

Cross-border train services between Bangladesh and India are expected to resume on May 29 after over two years of suspension enforced by the disruptive coronavirus pandemic.
Sources here say the Indian Railway has already informed the Bangladesh Railway of its readiness to run trains. However, BR sources say they will take decision on the resumption holding interministerial meetings with the ministries of home, foreign affairs, health and others.
"Both sides have agreed on resumption of the cross-border train services but there are needs of some arrangements, including health issues, which will be discussed in the meetings," said an official engaged in the meetings.
The sources said the two train operators of Bangladesh and India had discussed the issues on the resumption of the train services for the last couple of days and taken the decision to resume the run of Maitree Express between Dhaka and Kolkata and Bandhan Express between Khulna and Kolkata from May 29.
Mitali Express, the passenger train service between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri of West Bengal, is likely to whistle-start on June 01 after formal flag-off of the service virtually.
The Maitree Express and the Bandhan Express had halted on March 15, 2020 amid the viral invasion. The Mitali Express was, however, inaugurated by the prime ministers of Bangladesh and India on March 26, 2021 but the service had yet to start.
The train service on Chilahati-Haldibari route was resumed after 55 years' break.
Sources say both the countries have already started issuance of visa for common people.
The Indian Railway has already resumed its train services with another neighbour, Nepal, due to improvement in corona situation.

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