Barisal Express
The Barishal Express was a railway train that was one of three train services running between India and Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).[1]
History
The Barishal Express launched in 1884.[2] The train connected the Indian city of Kolkata (then Calcutta) with the city of Khulna in Bangladesh.[1] The railway link was suspended at the outbreak of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.[1] In 1972, the route reopened for 2 years for goods train service.[2]
An agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh in July 2000 to re-establish the train link. Feasibility studies had been going on since 1994.[2] The Bandhan Express is a new train recreating this route in the 21st century.[3][4][5] The immigration checks have been moved to Calcutta train station to avoid losing hours waiting at the border.[6]
References
- Thapliyal, Sangeeta. "India-Bangladesh Transportation Links: A Move for Closer Cooperation". Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
- Haroon Habib (21 January 2001). "India, Bangladesh reintroduce rail link". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
- "Maitree Express-II chugged across India, Bangladesh border amid cheers, applause". Firstpost. Indo-Asian News Service. 8 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
- "Sheikh Hasina visit: Maitree Express to be made fully AC, new passenger service to be announced". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
- "Prime Minister of India & Prime Minister of Bangladesh Jointly along with Chief Minister, West Bengal Flag off New Cross-Border Train between India & Bangladesh, "Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express" from Kolkata through Video Confencing". Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Railways. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- "Train to Khulna chugs out after 52 years". The Telegraph. Calcutta. 10 November 2017. Retrieved 15 March 2018.