India, Bangladesh to Discuss Revival of Stalled Cross-Border Passenger Train Services

DHAKA, Sept 7: Bangladesh and India are set to discuss the possible resumption of cross-border passenger train services that have remained suspended since the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024, officials said on Monday.

Bangladesh Railway officials will hold a two day meeting with their Indian counterparts in Dhaka from Tuesday under the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM). The discussions are expected to focus on restarting the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services and examining the feasibility of a new international rail route.

“We are set to discuss matters relating to re-launching of the railway services  Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express  in the IGRM starting tomorrow,” a Bangladesh Railway official familiar with the matter said.

The Maitree Express links Dhaka with Kolkata, while the Bandhan Express connects Khulna with Kolkata. The Mitali Express, which previously operated between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri, also provided an important rail connection between the two countries.

New Rajshahi-Kolkata Route Proposed

Bangladesh is expected to put forward a proposal for a new passenger train service linking Rajshahi in northwestern Bangladesh with Kolkata in West Bengal.

Dhaka is also likely to suggest that the Maitree Express operate through the newly constructed Padma Bridge instead of its earlier route via the Jamuna Bridge.

“If both sides agree, the Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express trains could resume operations by next month,” the official said, adding that Indian railway authorities were also keen on restoring the services.

However, the proposed restart will require approval from the foreign, home and other relevant ministries of both countries. Representatives from the concerned ministries are expected to participate in the discussions.

The official said the final decision on resuming the services and introducing any new route would rest with the political leadership of India and Bangladesh.

Passenger Services Suspended After 2024 Unrest

The three international passenger services were suspended following violent protests in Bangladesh in July 2024.

The Maitree and Bandhan Express services were initially cancelled between July 19 and August 6, 2024, but their suspension was subsequently extended indefinitely. The Mitali Express made its last journey to Dhaka on July 17, 2024, and did not return, according to Indian railway officials.

Although the immediate unrest subsided, political instability and deteriorating bilateral ties prevented the passenger services from being restored.

Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh for India on August 5, 2024, after weeks of deadly protests brought down her Awami League government. An interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus subsequently took charge.

Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi became strained, with Hasina’s presence in India emerging as a major point of contention. Bangladesh has sought her extradition.

Freight Links Already Restored

While passenger connectivity remained suspended, freight rail operations between the two countries resumed in February 2025 following a nine-month disruption.

The suspension of passenger services, however, continued amid wider diplomatic differences.

Bangladesh’s general elections earlier this year resulted in a change of government, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party replacing the Yunus-led interim administration. Several contentious matters nevertheless continue to affect relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.

The proposed railway discussions indicate efforts by both sides to restore practical connectivity and revive bilateral engagement despite continuing differences on key political and diplomatic issues.