The Barishal Express was a railway train that was one of three train services running between India and Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).[1]
History
editThe Barishal Express launched in 1884.[2] The train connected the Indian city of Kolkata (then Calcutta) with the city of Khulna in Bangladesh, with a link train from Rupsa to Bagerhat for connecting Barishal.[1] The train used to take 4 hours to complete the 176 kilometres (109 mi) journey. The link train used to take another 1 hrs 45 minutes to connect Bagerhat, 74 kilometres (46 mi) away from Khulna. The railway link was suspended at the outbreak of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.[1] In 1972, the route reopened for 2 years for goods train service.[2]
An agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh in July 2000 to re-establish the train link. Feasibility studies had been going on since 1994.[2] The Bandhan Express is a new train recreating this route in the 21st century.[3][4][5] The immigration checks have been moved to Calcutta train station to avoid losing hours waiting at the border.[6] New Railway line to Barishal is being constructed, the line will bifurcate at Rupsanagar from the Mongla Port railway line & then head eastward towards Jatharpur, Sakambhuj, Bagerhat & then end at Barishal.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Thapliyal, Sangeeta. "India–Bangladesh Transportation Links: A Move for Closer Cooperation". Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
- ^ a b c Haroon Habib (21 January 2001). "India, Bangladesh reintroduce rail link". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
- ^ "Maitree Express-II chugged across India, Bangladesh border amid cheers, applause". Firstpost. Indo-Asian News Service. 8 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
- ^ "Sheikh Hasina visit: Maitree Express to be made fully AC, new passenger service to be announced". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
- ^ "Prime Minister of India & Prime Minister of Bangladesh Jointly along with Chief Minister, West Bengal Flag off New Cross-Border Train between India & Bangladesh, "Kolkata–Khulna Bandhan Express" from Kolkata through Video Confencing". Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Railways. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "Train to Khulna chugs out after 52 years". The Telegraph. Calcutta. 10 November 2017. Archived from the original on 15 March 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
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