Kolkata-Khulna train service from next year

Adding a new feather in the Indo-Bangla cooperation in the rail sector, a new train would be launched between the two countries early next year.

The new train service between Kolkata and Khulna is likely to be launched during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit in January 2017, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

Recently the frequency of Maitree Express was increased to four days a week between Kolkata and Dhaka, catering to the growing demand of passengers from both sides, reports the Economic Times.

All ground works have been completed for the launch of the new train connecting Kolkata with Khulna, including meeting of senior officials from both sides.

Freight trains, carrying stones and boulders among other goods, are already running between Khulna and Dhaka.

A joint meeting of officials from Railways, Home Ministry and External Affairs was held recently with Bangladesh to finalise the new train launch, the official said.

The launch of a new train service between the two countries is part of the joint declaration made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June last year.

Besides train, Kolkata and Dhaka are connected through bus and air service also.