Bangladesh Railway is increasing the number of train trips to neighbouring India from this month onward, according to the railways minister.

On the Dhaka-Kolkata route, Maitree Express will run five days a week instead of its usual four from February 11, Minister Nurul Islam Sujan said during a press briefing at the Railway Bhaban in Dhaka today. 

Maitree Express currently operates on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Owing to the increased trips, the train service will also be available on Tuesdays from the 11th of this month.

Meanwhile, on the Khulna-Kolkata route, Bandhan Express will operate two days instead of one. The train service will also be available on Sundays, in addition to Thursdays from February 16, the minister said.