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What is the News?
India and Bangladesh are rebooting their rail links by launching several rail services between the two countries.
What are the rail links launched between India and Bangladesh?
Passenger Trains
Bandhan Express: It was resumed by rebooting a long-forgotten rail link between Kolkata and the industrial hub of Khulna, the third-largest city of Bangladesh. In 1965, this route was served by the Barisal Express which was stopped due to the India-Pakistan war.
Maitree Express: It runs between Kolkata and Dhaka Cantonment.
Mitali Express: It will connect New Jalpaiguri in North Bengal with Dhaka. This train was announced by PM during his visit to Dhaka in March 2021.
Freight Trains
Haldibari-Chilahati Rail Link: In August 2021, India and Bangladesh inaugurated a railway link between Haldibari in India and Chilahati in Bangladesh. This rail link was part of the Broad Gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri. However, the war of 1965 effectively cut off all the railway links.
The other rail links which are operational between India and Bangladesh are — Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh); Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh); Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh); and Radhikapur (India)–Birol (Bangladesh).
Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: How India, Bangladesh are rebooting their rail link” published in Indian Express on 1st June 2022.
