Dhaka:The journey time for the Maitree Express, a cross-border passenger train between Dhaka and Kolkata, may be reduced to six hours if it operates through the Padma Bridge-Benapole route rather than the current Jamuna Bridge-Darsana route. This change could cut the travel time by approximately three hours according to officials.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the proposed route might also lower passenger fares by around Tk 1,000, potentially making the train a more attractive option compared to air travel between the two cities.
The Maitree Express, which was suspended on July 19, 2024, due to security concerns, was initially launched in April 2008 to restore passenger rail connectivity between Bangladesh and India after disruptions in 1965. This train service has been vital for passengers traveling between the two countries, particularly for tourism, trade, commerce, and medical purposes.
Despite political tensions, Bangladeshi tourism to India surged by nearly 80% over the previous year, with over 74,000 Bangladeshis visiting India in August, according to preliminary data from India's Ministry of Tourism.
Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam informed Parliament on September 9 that freight train services between the two countries are ongoing, and efforts are underway to resume passenger services. However, Railway Ministry Additional Secretary Ziaul Haque stated that no decision has been made yet regarding the resumption of the suspended service.
The Maitree Express has historically maintained a high occupancy rate, ranging from 80 to 85%, with a peak of over 95% during major holidays. Before its suspension, the train operated along the Tangail-Jamuna Bridge-Ishwardi-Darsana route, covering approximately 392 kilometers and originally scheduled for a journey time of around eight hours. However, congestion often extended travel times to nine or ten hours.
The opening of the Padma Bridge railway route in December 2024 offers a new corridor for train travel towards the southwestern region and the Benapole border, significantly reducing the distance and travel time between Kamlapur and Benapole to roughly three hours. Railway officials are optimistic that a rerouted Maitree Express could similarly benefit from this new route.