Train services between India and Bangladesh halted indefinitely due to unrest.
Railway officials announced on Monday that all train services between India and Bangladesh have been suspended indefinitely in response to the ongoing unrest in the neighbouring country. The suspension affects the Maitri Express, Bandhan Express, and Mitali Express, which ceased operations in mid-July following violent protests in Bangladesh.
Initially, the Maitri Express and Bandhan Express were cancelled from July 19 to August 6, 2024. However, due to the continued instability, the suspension has been extended indefinitely. The Mitali Express is also indefinitely suspended, according to Indian Railways officials.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country on Monday, while Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced the establishment of an interim government amid massive protests.
“Mitali Express, which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka, went to Dhaka on July 17, 2024, but did not return,” stated the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Katihar. He noted that the train’s coaches, owned by Indian Railways, are specific to that service, so there is no disruption to other services. The train’s locomotive is replaced with a Bangladeshi engine at the border.
The Maitri Express runs between Dhaka and Kolkata, while the bi-weekly Bandhan Express operates between Khulna and Kolkata.
