The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The much-awaited 'Moitree Express Train' is ready to leave Dhaka Cantonment Station for Kolkata at 8.30 AM today, Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali new year with much enthusiasm.

On the same day, another Moitree train will leave Chitpur Station of Kolkata for Dhaka at 7.10 AM and it is expected to reach Dhaka at 8.30 PM.

To mark the historic cross-border train service, a function will be held at the Cantonment Station at 7.45 AM tomorrow. Communication Adviser Major General (Retd) Golam Quader, Advisers, diplomats of different countries, chiefs of various donor agencies and high officials will attend the function, said an official Handout yesterday afternoon.

The express train will run twice a week on every Saturday and Sunday with accommodation capacity of 418 passengers in seven compartments.

A total of 56 press and media men will travel on the Moitree train to cover the historic train service between two neighbouring countries Bangladesh and India.

Necessary preparations have been completed and tight security has also been ensured at the Darshana Railway Station in Chuadanga district, the exit point of Bangladesh territory.

While contacted, Darshana Station Master told the news agency that security apparatus including metal directors, luggage scanners and close circuit cameras have been arranged at the Darshana Station checkpost as part of the government's tight security measures.

Law enforcing agencies including special branch (SB) of police, Government Railway Police (GRP) and various intelligence agencies already have been deployed to ensure utmost security at immigration check point.

Travelers today thronged to Indian High Commission for collecting their visas to Kamlapur Railway Station for having tickets with huge enthusiasm to ensure their historic journey.

"I never seen such a passenger gathering those who lined up in a number of queues to collect their tickets since the early morning" said Abu Syed Ahmed, Station Manager of Bangladesh Railway while talking to BSS today.

Of the total 538-km journey, 418-km area lay in Bangladesh area and 120 km in Indian territory. The cross-border journey will need five hours more with eight hours for carrying out customs and immigration formalities at Darshana in Bangladesh and Gede in West Bengal.