New Delhi: Direct passenger rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh could return soon, with railway authorities from both countries meeting in Dhaka to discuss the restoration of three suspended services. Bangladesh is also seeking new passenger routes, changes to existing train operations and longer freight-running hours as the two sides review wider railway cooperation.
The inter-governmental railway meeting (IGRM) is being attended by senior officials from both railway systems and representatives of relevant ministries. The Bangladesh railway’s additional director general (operations), Mohammad Nazmul Islam, told ANI that a decision on when passenger services will resume will be taken after the discussions.
The three services at the centre of the talks are the Maitree Express between Dhaka and Kolkata, the Bandhan Express between Khulna and Kolkata, and the Mitali Express between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri. According to Prothom Alo, Bangladesh Railway officials believe the trains could resume as early as next month if both countries reach an agreement.
The services have remained suspended since the political unrest in Bangladesh in July 2024, which eventually led to the fall of Bangladesh former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, government. While freight trains continued to operate, direct passenger rail links between the two countries did not resume after the political situation began to stabilize.
Visa arrangements were another obstacle to restarting the passenger services. Indian authorities had almost stopped issuing travel visas after the political change in Bangladesh, while Bangladesh had also tightened its visa procedures, reducing the potential passenger base for the trains.
India resumed issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshis on June 27 after the new government took office following the February 2026 general election. The gradual restoration of visa services has now allowed the two sides to revisit the possibility of restarting passenger rail connectivity.
Dhaka proposes new passenger services
Bangladesh is using the railway meeting to seek an expansion of its passenger network with India. Prothom Alo reported that Dhaka will propose a new passenger train between Rajshahi and Kolkata in addition to seeking the restoration of the three existing services.
The route of the Maitree Express is also expected to be discussed, with Bangladesh proposing that the Dhaka-Kolkata train operate through the Padma Bridge instead of the Jamuna Bridge route. Dhaka is further seeking the introduction of night-time passenger services, as the existing trains operate during the day. Another proposal concerns the transportation of parcels on passenger trains. Bangladesh also wants one or two coaches to be added for carrying parcels alongside passengers.
Visa rules and railway dues
Bangladesh is also expected to seek changes to the existing visa arrangements for passengers travelling between the two countries. Dhaka wants to replace the current route-specific system, under which passengers entering India by air face restrictions on returning by train or road, while those travelling by train are required to return by train.
Financial and administrative issues between the two railway authorities will also feature in the talks. These include Bangladesh’s outstanding payments to Indian Railways and Indian wagons in Bangladesh that require major maintenance or periodic overhauling.
Revenue-sharing arrangements for jointly operated passenger trains are another issue being discussed. The revenue is divided based on the distance travelled by the trains in each country.