Bangladesh-India passenger trains yet to resume operations

An inter-ministerial meeting ended today without fixing any date for resuming the operation of passenger trains between Bangladesh and India, which was expected to be started within this month.

The meeting presided over by railways ministry Secretary Humayun Kabir, decided that Bangladesh Railway, through foreign ministry, will write to India to allow train passengers to get tourist visas.

"Date for resumption of train operation will be fixed upon receiving Indian response," Sardar Shahadat Ali, additional director general (operations) of Bangladesh Railway, told The Daily Star.

However, April 1 or April 14 (Pahela Baishakh) has been discussed as a probable date, meeting sources said.

Currently, India is not allowing foreign nationals holding tourist visas via land borders or riverine routes. Travellers are allowed entry to India via air alone.

Besides, several other issues, including health protocol, have to be fixed before the resumption of the train operations, meeting sources said.

Following Bangladesh Railway's proposal, Indian Railway last week suggested the resumption of operations from March 26.

Before the pandemic-induced suspension from March 15, 2020, the Maitree Express was operating on the Dhaka-Kolkata route while Bandhan Express was on the Khulna-Kolkata route.

Moreover, a third passenger train -- Mitali Express -- which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on March 26 last year, is expected to start operation along with the two trains.