The New Nation - Internet Edition

Secretary of Road and Railway Division of the
Ministry of Communication Dr Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman and
Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty signing
the Bangla-India Agreement on Dhaka-Kolkata Passenger Train
Service on behalf of their respe

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh and India yesterday signed an agreement to start friendship (Maitree) passenger train service between Dhaka and Kolkata from Monday next.

The Communication Secretary Dr Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, and the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

The first international train service which is called 'Maitree Express' will leave Dhaka Cantonment Station on April 14 at 8.30 am for Kolkata, said Dr Rahman.

The Communication Adviser, Major General Ghulam Quader, will see off the Moitree train on its maiden journey. A number of other advisers are expected to be present on the occasion.

Terming the agreement Dr Mahbubur Rahman said the signing of the agreement reflected the government's cordiality and good wishes.

He said support from the Chief Adviser and the Communication Adviser made it possible.

"The train service would strengthen trade and connectivity between the two countries," Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty said.

Replying to reporters on problems of getting Indian visa, Chakravarty said despite some limitations, visa was provided in 48 to 72 hours.

The Maitree Express will leave Dhaka on Monday and return on Wednesday.

The tain will run regularly, two days a week, on Saturdays and Sundays. A passenger will be able to buy ticket at the Kamalapur Railway Station, filling up an application form plus showing passport and visa.

Additional railway secretary ATKM Ismail, director general of the Bangladesh Railway (BR) Belayet Hossain, Indian High Commission's railway adviser Jaya Varma Sinha, economic and commercial councilor Sudhakar Dalela among others, were, present at the signing ceremony.