Delhi Seeks Train Resumption, Dhaka Awaits Reply
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Nearly two years have passed since passenger train services between Bangladesh and India were suspended. Maitree Express, Bandhan Express, and Mitali Express have remained off the tracks since they were halted on July 18, 2024, amid political unrest. During this period, Bangladesh sent three letters to India regarding the resumption of the services, but has yet to receive a formal response. Now, after India reopened its visa centers in Dhaka for tourists, New Delhi has stepped up efforts to restart the train services. Indian sources said Delhi has instructed the relevant authorities to prepare for the resumption, while a reply to Bangladesh's letters is also being finalized.
Bangladesh, however, says it will not proceed based solely on verbal expressions of interest. Officials insist that the next steps will be taken only after the formal diplomatic process is completed. Although prospects for restoring rail connectivity between the two countries have improved, the move now hinges on India's official response, diplomatic coordination, and agreements on security and other related issues. In effect, Delhi is eager to restart the trains, while Dhaka is waiting for replies to its three earlier letters. Bangladesh Railway says it will not begin preparations until those responses arrive.
Indian Railways has formally begun work on restoring the cross-border train services, according to sources. India's Railway Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs are reviewing the matter based on Bangladesh's earlier requests. Indian sources said instructions have already been issued to begin the necessary preparations.
The then Awami League government suspended train services across Bangladesh during political unrest surrounding the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on July 18, 2024. At the same time, the Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express, the Khulna-Kolkata Bandhan Express, and the New Jalpaiguri-Dhaka Mitali Express were suspended indefinitely. The services have not resumed since. Although India has not responded to Bangladesh's three letters, reliable sources said New Delhi has so far declined to restart the trains because of security concerns.
Indian authorities have not issued any official statement on the matter. However, an official of the Indian Railway Board, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Agamir Somoy that the ministry had instructed officials not to disclose details for now. He said they had, however, been directed to complete all necessary preparations for resuming the services and were proceeding accordingly.
Cross-border train services are operated through coordination between the traffic departments of the two countries. Md. Khairul Kabir, deputy director of the Interchange Branch under the Traffic Department of Bangladesh Railway, said no comment could be made until a decision was taken at the highest level. Whether India responds to the letters is entirely up to India, he said, adding that Bangladesh has already communicated its position and is now awaiting India's reply.
Asked about reports that India had informed Bangladesh Railway by phone of its interest in restarting the train services, Khairul Kabir said the issue involved not only the Ministry of Railways but also the ministries of foreign affairs and home affairs, along with immigration and customs authorities. He said an international train service could not be resumed based on verbal communication alone. Once India formally responds to the letters, the relevant agencies will proceed with the required process, he added.
A source at India's Ministry of Railways confirmed to Agamir Somoy that a reply to Bangladesh's letters is being prepared. Bangladesh Railway is expected to receive the response soon through India's Ministry of External Affairs and the Railway Board.
Meanwhile, sources in Kolkata, West Bengal, said a proposal had recently been submitted to India's Ministry of Railways through the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The proposal seeks to restore the Maitree Express with its previous schedule of five trips a week. The Traffic Transportation Department of the Railway Ministry has also instructed the relevant agencies to begin preparations. At the same time, authorities are reviewing security, immigration, customs, and health-related arrangements. A final decision to resume the service could be taken once all agencies give their clearance.
Indian railway expert Tapan Kundu said the Maitree Express is more than just a train service. It serves as a bridge connecting the people of India and Bangladesh through cultural and family ties. Restoring the service would make travel easier for ordinary people in both countries while also benefiting tourism and the economies of border regions. However, he said the services should resume only after security and diplomatic coordination are fully ensured.
The 38th Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM), scheduled for March to discuss key bilateral railway issues between Bangladesh and India, did not take place. It was later expected to be held last month, but that meeting also failed to materialize. However, preparatory meetings have been held twice. Sources confirmed to Agamir Somoy that India recently proposed dates for the IGRM in a letter to Bangladesh. Dhaka, however, declined those dates and sent a counterproposal suggesting a new schedule.
Asked about the matter, Bangladesh Railway Deputy Director (Interchange) Md. Khairul Kabir said, "This is not something you need to know. These are internal matters of the railway."
Despite that response, much of the future of cross-border train services depends on the meeting. During a preparatory meeting on Oct. 6 last year to finalize the agenda for the intergovernmental talks, officials gave priority to resuming the Maitree, Bandhan, and Mitali Express services. The meeting decided that Bangladesh would send another letter through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following up on its earlier correspondence. That letter was subsequently sent.
Communications expert Prof. Md. Hadiuzzaman of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) said diplomatic dialogue is indispensable for restoring the train services. He said the cross-border trains symbolize the relationship between the two countries, and any obstacles to resuming the services should be resolved through discussion.
