From Khulna to Kolkata by train

The long wait for another train service for smooth communications between Bangladesh and India is going to end as the premiers of two neighbouring countries are expected to inaugurate a new passenger train service from Khulna to Kolkata today.

The train will be operated through Benapole from the Bangladesh side and Petrapole from the Indian side. Primarily, the train -- Maitree Express-2 -- will make its trip once a week. The number of train trip would increase later.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a four-day official visit to India. During her stay there, agreements in different areas, including the railway sector, are expected to be signed.

The inauguration ceremony will take place at Benapole Station where Bangladesh Railways Minister Mazibul Hoque, among others, will be present. 

Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are going to open the train service after speaking to Mazibul through a video-conference from Delhi. 

Station Master of Khulna Railway Station Amirul Islam said the distance between Khulna and Kolkata is about 200 kilometres, and the journey would take maximum four hours in train.

Infrastructure has already been developed on both sides of the countries for the international train service. Offices have been built for immigration, customs and railway police.

Additional General Manager of Bangladesh Railway Habibur Rahman said primarily passengers would not be able to get on the train at Jessore junction, Benapole and Nawapara stations.  

Considering passengers' demand for the train, the number of train trip and stations would be raised, he said, adding that passengers could buy tickets both from station counters and through online.

Benapole Railway Station Master Shahidur Rahman said passengers would first reach Benapole Station by the train from Khulna Station, and the train would then head for Kolkata with the passengers after completion of their customs and immigration formalities at the Benapole Station.

Around nine years ago on April 14, 2008, the first passenger train service between Dhaka and Kolkata -- Maitree Express -- was launched. There had been no train service between the two nations since 1965.

On March 1 this year, the number of Maitree Express' trip increased to four days a week, catering to the growing demand of passengers from both sides.

[Our correspondents in Khulna and Benapole contributed to the report.]