Indian Railway: Indian Railways is a very big and busy rail system, in which millions of people travel every day, but do you know that there is also a train from India which takes you to another country?

These trains go outside India

Indian Railways: The Indian Railways is one of the world's largest rail networks, carrying millions of passengers daily. On a daily basis, approximately 14,000 trains operate, carrying approximately 28 million passengers. But did you know that India also operates a train service that takes you beyond the country's borders to another country?

Most people think that the Attari border train between India and Pakistan is the only international train, but this is not entirely accurate. Several passenger trains have also operated between India and Bangladesh, connecting the two countries by rail. However, these services have been temporarily suspended.

This train connects India and Bangladesh.

The most famous train between India and Bangladesh is the Maitree Express, which ran between Kolkata and Dhaka. Covering a distance of approximately 380 kilometers, it took approximately 8 to 9 hours to reach its destination. All coaches of this train were equipped with AC, offering amenities such as AC First Class and Chair Car. This service was launched in 2008 but was suspended indefinitely from August 2024.

In addition to the Maitree Express, two other trains used to run between India and Bangladesh: the Bandhan Express and the Mithali Express. The Bandhan Express ran between Kolkata and Khulna, covering a distance of approximately 172 kilometers in four to five hours. This train was launched in 2017. The Mithali Express, meanwhile, ran from New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal to Dhaka Cantonment, covering a distance of approximately 513 kilometers in nine to ten hours. This service was launched in 2022.

Freight train operations resume

However, in 2024, due to the political situation and strained relations between India and Bangladesh, all these passenger trains were discontinued. However, the situation appears to be slowly changing. Following the formation of a new government in Bangladesh, there are signs of improvement in relations between the two countries. Freight trains have been resumed, and now discussions are underway to restore passenger trains.

There is particular emphasis on restarting the Mithali Express, which connects important cities in both countries and is used by a large number of passengers. Therefore, it is hoped that rail services between India and Bangladesh may be back on track in the near future.