DHAKA, July 27, 2017 (BSS) – The immigration and customs services for Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express train passengers will be completed at the stations of departure likely from the next month (August).
“The immigration, customs and all other services of Kolkata-bound passengers will be completed at Dhaka Cantonment Station while the services of Dhaka-bound passengers will be done at Sealdah Station, expectedly from the next month,” Bangladesh Railway (BR) Deputy Director General (Operation) Md Habibur Rahman told BSS.
He said, “We have already sent a letter to the Indian Railway authority in this regard…But they are yet to reply. We hope that they will response soon.”
All official formalities including immigration, customs and security checks will be completed at the starting point once the process begins, Rahman said, adding the BR has taken the initiatives to free the passengers from hassles.
The Maitree Express runs between Dhaka and Kolkata six days a week from each side. The train plies around 375 kilometers to reach Kolkata from Dhaka.
There are two stoppages for immigration check in and check out — one at Darshona (Bangladesh side) and the other at Gede (Indian side). It takes around 10 to 11 hours to cover the entire stretch.