India and Bangladesh are looking at the possibility of bringing back direct passenger train services between the two countries after more than two years of suspension. The issue is expected to be discussed by railway authorities from both sides as part of efforts to restore cross-border connectivity that was disrupted during the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024.
The discussions are expected to cover the future of three established international train services – the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express. These services had provided important rail connections between cities in India and Bangladesh before operations were suspended.
The Maitree Express linked Kolkata with Dhaka, while the Bandhan Express connected Kolkata with Khulna. The Mitali Express offered another direct connection between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Their suspension significantly reduced direct passenger rail options between the two neighbouring countries.
According to reports, railway officials are assessing the practical requirements for restarting the services. Any decision to resume passenger operations will also require coordination between the relevant authorities in India and Bangladesh, particularly on security, immigration and operational arrangements.
The talks could also go beyond restoring the existing services. Bangladesh is expected to discuss the possibility of introducing a Rajshahi-Kolkata passenger train, which would establish another direct rail connection between the two countries. The proposed service could improve access to Kolkata for passengers from northern and western parts of Bangladesh.
Changes to existing railway routes may also form part of the discussions. One proposal involves operating the Maitree Express through Bangladesh’s Padma Bridge, which could provide an alternative alignment for the Dhaka-Kolkata service and make use of newer railway infrastructure.
The possible restoration of passenger trains follows the earlier revival of India-Bangladesh freight rail connectivity. Freight operations resumed in 2025, demonstrating that cross-border railway movement could gradually return despite the disruption experienced in 2024.
For passengers, the restoration of the international trains would provide an alternative to air and road travel and could make cross-border journeys more convenient. It could also support tourism, family travel, business activity and wider people-to-people contacts between India and Bangladesh.
However, the proposed restart is not yet a confirmed operational schedule. The services would require agreement between the two governments and completion of the necessary regulatory, security and railway clearances before passengers can begin travelling again.
If the two sides reach an agreement, the revival of the Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services could mark an important step in rebuilding direct transport links between India and Bangladesh. The railway discussions will therefore be closely watched for indications of when passenger services could actually return.
-
-
-
-
