DHAKA, 11 July 2007 — Bangladesh and India have decided to resume regular train service in September after 36 years, a Bangladeshi official said yesterday.
Initially, two trains will operate between Dhaka and the eastern Indian metropolis of Kolkata every week, A.T.K.M. Ismail, a Bangladesh Railway Ministry official said after talks with Indian officials.
A 31-member Indian delegation arrived here on Sunday on a passenger train from India that was on a trial run. Ismail said a Bangladeshi passenger train will travel to Kolkata on July 29 on a return trial run. The train will also carry Bangladeshi officials who plan to hold more talks to work out details of the service.
Ismail said officials from the two countries discussed the immigration and customs procedures and fares during the two-day meeting that ended yesterday.
Ismail, additional secretary (Railway Division) at the Communications Ministry and A.E. Ahmed, additional secretary of the Indian Home Ministry, led their respective sides at the meeting.
Apart from the security issue, the officials said, both sides reached an understanding on other issues relating to the resumption of the train service. The Indian side proposed construction of a security fence in the Indian territories to prevent smugglers or miscreants from boarding the trains.
Fares will be $8 for Sovan class, $12 for AC Snigdha and $20 for AC Sleeper for a 536-km journey — 416 kilometers in Bangladesh and 120 kilometers inside the Indian territory. Kolkata and Dhaka are currently connected by air and bus services.
The slow train is expected to cover a distance of 345 kilometers between Dhaka and Kolkata in 12 hours.
Primarily, two trains — one from Bangladesh and another from India — with a capacity of 380 passengers each will operate between the two countries in a week. With the development of railway infrastructure, the frequencies of the service will be increased.
Elections in December Next Year
Army Chief Gen. Moeen U. Ahmed has reaffirmed that the general elections would be held in December next year. He, however, said it would be ensured that the future government continues the drive launched by the army against corruption.
Ahmed said he viewed the threat of corruption as a threat to the country’s security that must be opposed by all.
Addressing a seminar in Dhaka yesterday Ahmed dispelled the impression that the army was getting involved in country’s civil affairs.
