Enhancing connectivity: New train and bus services between India and Bangladesh

On Saturday, India and Bangladesh revealed new transportation links: a train route between Rajshahi and Kolkata and a bus route between Chittagong and Kolkata.

New transport links

- Rajshahi-Kolkata train service: A passenger train will soon run between Rajshahi in Bangladesh and Kolkata in India.

- Chittagong-Kolkata bus service: A new bus route will connect Chittagong in Bangladesh to Kolkata in India.

Additionally, trial runs for a freight train on the Bangladesh Railway route from Gede-Darshana to Haldibari-Chilahati will begin next month.

Development initiatives

India will provide funds to build an inland container depot in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. Modi emphasised that people-to-people contacts are important to strengthen ties between the two countries. To further support this, India will launch e-medical visa for Bangladeshi citizens seeking medical treatment in India. Also, India will open a new Assistant High Commission office in Rangpur, Bangladesh.

Strengthening bilateral ties

India and Bangladesh signed 10 agreements to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including:

- Digital technology
- Maritime activities
- Blue economy
- Railways
- Space exploration
- Green technology
- Health and medicine

These initiatives are aimed at boosting connectivity, trade and overall bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.