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Bangladesh and India are taking steps to resume passenger train services that were previously operated between the two countries but have remained suspended.
The issue will be discussed at the annual Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) between the railway authorities of the two countries, which will begin in Dhaka on Tuesday and continue for two days.
Officials said a decision may be taken at the meeting on resuming the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services.
According to Bangladesh Railway sources, the trains could resume operations as early as next month if both countries reach an agreement.
Bangladesh will also propose launching a new passenger train service on the Rajshahi-Kolkata route. It will further express its interest in operating the Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express via the Padma Bridge.
The IGRM will be held at Rail Bhaban in Dhaka this year. Bangladesh Railway said the agenda for discussions with Indian railway authorities has already been finalised.
Bangladesh Railway officials said Indian Railways is also interested in resuming the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services. However, approval from the railway authorities alone will not be sufficient. The foreign and home ministries of both countries, along with other relevant agencies, will also need to give their consent.
Representatives of the concerned ministries are expected to attend Tuesday’s meeting.
Officials said the final decision on resuming cross-border train services will ultimately be taken at the political level.
The IGRM is held annually, alternately in Bangladesh and India. The last meeting was held in New Delhi from January 20 to 22 last year. After several changes to the schedule, the meeting is being held in Dhaka this time.
Cross-border train services were disrupted during the student-led mass movement in July 2024. The Maitree Express was suspended on July 16, while the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services were all suspended from July 19.
Despite subsequent political changes in Bangladesh, passenger train services between the two countries did not return to normal.
After a prolonged suspension, formal discussions on resuming the services are now set to take place through the IGRM.
The Maitree Express operates between Dhaka and Kolkata, the Bandhan Express on the Khulna-Kolkata route, and the Mitali Express between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri.
Officials believe that resuming the three services, along with the proposed Rajshahi-Kolkata train, would further expand cross-border railway connectivity between Bangladesh and India.
