Bangladesh-India Mitali Express to begin maiden journey tomorrow

Mitali Express, the third passenger train to be operated between India and Bangladesh, is set to start its maiden journey tomorrow morning.

Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan, who is now visiting India, and Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will jointly flag off the new train virtually from the Rail Bhavan in New Delhi at 9:25 am, Bangladesh railways ministry said.

Mitali Express, inaugurated by the prime ministers of Bangladesh and India on March 26 last year, will use Chilahati-Haldibari rail link.

But the operations did not start due to the pandemic.

Mitali Express, the fully-airconditioned direct train with 10 coaches, will be operated twice a week from Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, the officials mentioned.

After flagging off, the train will depart from the NJP Station at 11:45 am and arrive at Dhaka's Cantonment Station at 10:30 pm the same day, sources said.

Customs formalities will be completed at Dhaka's Cantonment Station and the NJP Station.