DHAKA (Metro Rail News): India and Bangladesh have moved closer to restoring cross-border passenger train services, with the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express potentially resuming operations, following discussions on railway connectivity and bilateral cooperation.
The development came after Indian High Commissioner Shri Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladesh’s Minister of Shipping, Railways, Road Transport and Bridges, Shri.Shaikh Rabiul Alam, in Dhaka on September 8, 2026, where both sides discussed restarting passenger services, strengthening connectivity and advancing bilateral development projects.
Despite the suspension of passenger trains, India-Bangladesh railway connectivity was not completely disrupted. Freight train operations continued between the two countries, allowing trade to move even while passenger services remained unavailable.
The three international passenger services have remained suspended since the political unrest, followed by the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, in Bangladesh in 2024. The Maitree Express connects Kolkata and Dhaka, the Bandhan Express links Kolkata and Khulna, while the Mitali Express operates between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka.
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The possible restoration of the three services would reconnect major cities in eastern India and Bangladesh and strengthen an important mode of cross-border transport. Beyond passenger travel, the move could support tourism, trade, economic engagement and people-to-people relations between the two neighbouring countries.
| Train (no) | Route | Significance |
| Maitree Express (13109) | Kolkata ⮕Dhaka | Maitree Express connects two major cities of India and Bangladesh. It supports people-to-people connectivity, tourism, and business travel between the two countries. |
| Bandhan Express (13129) | Kolkata ⮕Khulna | Bandhan Express connects Kolkata with Khulna in Bangladesh through the Petrapole–Benapole border. It provides a direct passenger connection between West Bengal and southwestern Bangladesh. |
| Mitali Express (13132) | New Jalpaiguri ⮕Dhaka cantt | The Mitali Express provides a direct rail link between northern West Bengal and Bangladesh. The service is particularly important for tourism and regional connectivity. |
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