Dhaka-Guwahati bus service talks Monday

Bangladesh and India are expected to finalise the modalities of a bus service between Dhaka and Guwahati on Monday ahead of Narendra Modi’s tour next month.

In this regard, Bangladesh Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader went to India today on a three-day visit, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

Indian premier Modi is likely to flag off the bus service that will connect the two countries via Shillong route, during his visit to Bangladesh.

Obaidul Quader will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Nitin Gadkari at the Parivahan Bhavan on Monday around noon, Indian diplomatic sources said.

The trial run of the bus service on the 496-km route via Shillong, capital city of northeastern state of Meghalaya, was completed in December last year.

Sources said the Guwahati-Dhaka would, to begin with, run twice a week and the frequency could be increased depending on the response.

Another key issue on the agenda between Quader and Gadkari would be the bilateral motor vehicles agreement which is expected to boost bilateral trade, sources said.

The agreement will eliminate the need of loading-unloading at check points as trucks of the two countries will then be able to move seamlessly into each other’s territories.

Quader and Gadkari are also expected to discuss a direct bus link between Dhaka and Kolkata via Agartala.

Quader will meet the media at 4 pm on May 18 to share his talks with Gadkari.

The bus link between Guwahati and Dhaka is expected to give trade and economy in the India’s northeastern region a boost and run with Modi’s special thrust on developing the seven states of the region through improved connectivity between India and its neighbours.