Mitali Express, the third commuter train between Bangladesh and neighbouring India, began its operation on Wednesday.
Bangladesh Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon and Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the new train service between Dhaka and West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri at a virtual program, reports UNB.
This is the third train service between the two countries, aimed at not only easing rail communication but also strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries, according to the two ministers.
Mitali Express will begin its journey from New Jalpaiguri station and reach Dhaka Cantonment station via Haldibari in India and Chilahati in Bangladesh.
It was the first time in 57 years that a passenger train was running on the route.
"A proposal will be made to the authorities concerned to increase the frequency of the train to five days a week instead of two days as it is an important route for both tourists and students," said Railways Minister Sujon, who is currently in India.
“If we use the experience of India in our rail sector, then both the countries will benefit and our historical ties will be strengthened,” he added.
Mitali Express will operate on Mondays and Thursdays from Dhaka, and on Sundays and Wednesdays from India. Passengers will have to pay Tk5,255 for an air-conditioned berth, Tk3,420 for an AC seat and Tk2,780 for an AC chair.
On May 29, services of Bandhan Express and Maitri Express between Khulna and Kolkata resumed after a long break due to Covid-19.