Last Updated on October 9, 2026 10:38 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain, Dhaka
The Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express could resume operations through a shorter route via Bangladesh’s Padma Bridge if India submits a formal proposal through diplomatic channels, a senior Bangladesh Railway official said.
“If they [India] send a proposal, the government will consider the matter,” said Al Fattah Md Masudur Rahman, additional director-general of Bangladesh Railway, adding that no decision had been taken yet.
Launched in April 2008, the Maitree Express was popular among Bangladeshis travelling to India for medical treatment and tourism. The service was suspended by Indian authorities in July 2024 amid the uprising in Bangladesh. Two other cross-border trains, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express, have also remained suspended since 2024.
Masudur said Bangladesh Railway had not suspended the services; the decision was taken by Indian authorities.
Earlier, the Maitree Express travelled 392km from Dhaka Cantonment through Tangail, Jamuna Bridge, Ishwardi and Darsana to Kolkata, taking about seven hours and 45 minutes.
The proposed route via Padma Bridge, Jashore and Benapole could reduce travel time to around six hours and fares by approximately Tk 1,000 per ticket. However, these estimates depend on the final route, timetable and operational arrangements.
Masudur said immigration clearance would continue at Dhaka Cantonment Railway Station, where facilities for passengers travelling in both directions already exist. The rerouted train would pass through Kamalapur before joining the new railway line towards Padma Bridge.
“The necessary arrangements for immigration are already there. If we do it at Kamalapur Railway Station, a new setup would be required,” he said.
The proposed route was discussed during a three-day Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting between Bangladesh and India in September, but New Delhi has yet to submit a formal proposal.
On September 10, Bangladesh Railway Ministry additional secretary Ziaul Haque said Indian delegates had raised the Padma Bridge route and Dhaka would review resumption of services once India formally proposed it.
He said several technical and operational issues, including route capacity, train movements, turning facilities, fare adjustments and immigration procedures, would need assessment.
According to Bangladesh Railway, 288,360 passengers travelled on the Maitree Express between fiscal year 2022-23 and July 19, 2024, with Bangladeshis accounting for about 95% of them.
Average occupancy stood at 80-85%, exceeding 95% during Eid and Durga Puja holidays. Under the cross-border passenger train arrangement, Bangladesh Railway received 75% of the apportioned earnings, while Indian Railways received 25%.