Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi pays a courtesy call on Shaikh Rabiul Alam, Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping, at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Shipping and Railways Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said Bangladesh and India held positive discussions on resuming the Maitree Express, a cross-border passenger train service between the two countries that has been suspended for a long time.

He said the government is seriously considering the resumption of the Maitree Express on the Dhaka-Kolkata route to strengthen people-to-people connectivity and bilateral relations between the two countries. 

The minister made the remarks while talking to the journalists after a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner here Dinesh Trivedi at his office at Bangladesh Secretariat here.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest, including rail connectivity between Bangladesh and India, the minister said.

"In particular, there have been positive discussions on resuming the Maitree Express, which has remained suspended for a long time," he said, adding that the next steps would be taken through necessary discussions and coordination between the relevant authorities of the two countries.

The minister said rail connectivity between the two countries has historically been important. Besides facilitating travel between the two countries, cross-border rail services play a vital role in business and trade, tourism, medical treatment and education. 

"Considering the convenience of passengers, initiatives are being taken to resume the Maitree Express," he said. He added that resuming the train service would make travel between the two countries easier, particularly for people travelling for medical treatment, education, business or family reasons.

"Expanding travel opportunities by rail alongside road and air services will reduce both travel time and costs for people," he said. The meeting also discussed expanding future cooperation in the railway sector, building on existing rail connectivity between the two countries, the minister said.

"The more connectivity grows between neighbouring countries, the more dynamic their mutual relations and economic activities will become," Shaikh Rabiul Alam said.

The government is working to improve passenger services of Bangladesh Railway and expand international rail connectivity, he said, adding that special importance is being given to rail links with neighbouring India in this regard.

The minister said discussions on resuming the Maitree Express are progressing positively. However, he said, it is not yet possible to announce a specific date for the resumption of the service. 

"A decision will be announced after completing the necessary formalities, putting in place security measures and coordinating with the relevant authorities of the two countries," he said.  Asked about the possible schedule of the Maitree Express, the minister said discussions are going on.

He further said cross-border rail connectivity is not merely a means of passenger transport; it is also an important bridge connecting the people of the two countries and strengthening bilateral relations.

"Therefore, the government is interested in resuming the Maitree Express while ensuring passengers' safety, comfort and necessary facilities," he said.