India and Bangladesh Discuss Resumption of Cross-Border Train Services
Officials from India and Bangladesh concluded a three-day Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting in Dhaka on September 10, 2026, focusing on the potential restoration of suspended cross-border passenger train services. Passengers eagerly awaiting the return of international rail connectivity must wait a little longer as high-level diplomatic clearance is still required. Key updates from the discussions include the current status of suspended routes, proposed engineering changes, and plans for a brand new service.
A three-day Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting concluded in Dhaka on September 10, 2026, without an immediate decision on resuming suspended cross-border passenger trains.
The Maitree Express, Bandhan Express, and Mitali Express have remained suspended since July 2024 due to political unrest in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Railway Ministry stated they would consider resumption if India submits a formal diplomatic proposal.
India proposed routing the Maitree Express via the Padma Bridge to cut travel time by two to three hours, though no formal plan was submitted yet.
Bangladesh proposed a new direct passenger train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata, which is currently under examination.
Freight operations between the two nations continued uninterrupted throughout the suspension period.
Passenger services could potentially resume as early as October 2026 if both nations reach a political consensus through foreign and home ministries.
Current Status of Suspended Services
Travellers across both nations have been affected since the suspension of popular international rail links in July 2024 due to political unrest in Bangladesh. During the recent talks in Dhaka, delegations from both countries reviewed the ground situation. The Indian delegation was led by Additional Member for Traffic Deepak Kumar Jha, while the Bangladeshi side was represented by Railway Ministry Additional Secretary Ziaul Haque. Although freight operations have continued without interruption throughout the suspension period, passenger trains remain grounded pending higher-level political approval from the foreign and home ministries of both nations.
Proposed Route Modifications and New Trains
During the negotiations, the Indian side floated an innovative idea to improve passenger experience by proposing the operation of the Maitree Express via the Padma Bridge. This routing change could significantly reduce travel time between Dhaka and Kolkata by two to three hours. However, officials clarified that no formal proposal for this route change has yet been submitted through diplomatic channels. Furthermore, Bangladesh officially proposed the introduction of a completely new direct passenger train service connecting Rajshahi and Kolkata. Bangladesh Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam confirmed that the operation of a train on this route is actively under examination. Officials indicated that if all diplomatic hurdles are cleared and a consensus is reached, passenger train services could potentially resume as early as October 2026, bringing much-relief to regular commuters and tourists.