India-Bangladesh rail link set for revival? Maitree, Bandhan, Mitali Express on agenda

India and Bangladesh are expected to discuss the possible resumption of cross-border passenger train services that have remained suspended since 2024, according to a Moneycontrol report.

Railway officials from the two countries are scheduled to meet in Dhaka this week for a two-day Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM), beginning Tuesday. The Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services are likely to be among the key issues on the agenda.

“We are set to discuss matters relating to re-launching of the railway services – Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express – in the IGRM (Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting) starting tomorrow," Money Control quoted a Bangladesh railway official familiar with the development as saying.

The Maitree Express operates between Dhaka and Kolkata, while the Bandhan Express connects Khulna with Kolkata. The Mitali Express previously linked Dhaka with New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

New Rajshahi-Kolkata train also proposed

Dhaka is also expected to raise the possibility of introducing a passenger train between Rajshahi and Kolkata.

Another proposal could involve changing the Maitree Express route. Bangladesh may seek to run the service through the newly constructed Padma Bridge instead of its existing route via the Jamuna Bridge.

“If both sides agree, the Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express trains could resume operations by next month," the official told Moneycontrol.

However, the services cannot restart solely through a railway-level decision. Clearances from the foreign, home and other concerned ministries in both countries would be required. Officials from these departments are expected to attend the meeting, while the final decision will rest with the political leadership of the two countries.

Why were passenger trains suspended?

Passenger rail links were disrupted after violent protests broke out across Bangladesh in July 2024.

The Maitree and Bandhan Express services were cancelled from July 19 to August 6 that year before their suspension was extended indefinitely. The Mitali Express made its last journey to Dhaka on July 17, 2024, and did not run its return service, according to Indian Railway officials.

India-Bangladesh ties faced turbulence

The disruption came during a major political change in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina left for India on August 5, 2024, following weeks of protests that brought down her Awami League government.

An interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus then took charge. Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka subsequently came under strain, with Hasina's presence in India becoming a major issue and Bangladesh seeking her extradition.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won the country's general election earlier this year, replacing the Yunus-led interim government. Several issues, however, continue to shape bilateral ties.

Freight services already restored

While passenger trains have remained off the tracks, freight connectivity has resumed. Freight train operations between the two countries restarted in February last year after a nine-month suspension.

The upcoming Railway meeting could therefore provide a fresh opportunity to discuss restoring passenger services as well as expanding rail connectivity between the neighbouring countries.