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India and Bangladesh hold talks to resume suspended passenger rail services
Railway officials from India and Bangladesh have commenced a three-day Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) in Dhaka to discuss the restoration of passenger train services. These services, including the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express, and Mitali Express, have been suspended since August 2024 following political upheaval in Bangladesh.
While passenger connections remain inactive, officials noted that Indian freight train services have continued to operate without hindrance. The ongoing discussions aim to address operational and administrative matters, such as financial settlements, accounting for cross-border train movements, infrastructure development, and rolling stock efficiency.
In addition to restoring existing routes, Bangladesh is expected to propose a new passenger train service connecting Rajshahi to Kolkata. A final decision regarding the specific timing and scope of the resumed services will be determined following the conclusion of the IGRM.
Entities
Bangladesh · Bangladesh Railway · India · Kolkata · Mohammad Nazmul Islam
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Mitali Express connects Dhaka Cantonment and New Jalpaiguri. desitalkchicago.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Decisions on the resumption of specific train services will be made following the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM). desitalkchicago.com · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bangladesh is expected to propose a new passenger train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata. www.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Indian freight train services have continued to operate without interruption despite the suspension of passenger services. desitalkchicago.com · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Passenger train services including the Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express have been suspended since August 2024. desitalkchicago.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.news18.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Bandhan Express connects Khulna and Kolkata. desitalkchicago.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) includes discussions on financial settlements, train movement accounting, and infrastructure development. desitalkchicago.com · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Maitree Express connects Dhaka Cantonment and Chitpur (Kolkata). desitalkchicago.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · www.news18.com