Prime Minister flags off Khulna-Kolkata Maitree train service through video-link from New Delhi today

This train service between Kolkata and Khulna is a part of several initiatives being taken to strengthen bilateral relations and provide better rail connectivity for citizens of both the countries.

The train reached Petrapole from Bangladesh amidst the warm reception by the people waiting there who witnessed this historic occasion.

A warm reception was given to the Bangladesh delegation coming the Maitree Express from Khulna at Kolkata station by the General Manager of Eastern and South Eastern Railway and high officials.

Speaking on the occasion the General Manager, Eastern and South Eastern Railway S.N.Agarwal said though there was an International border between the two countries but the cultural and social bonding the Bengalies as a whole lying on the either side of the border is still warm.

In view of this the government of both the countries decided to run Maitree Express between Kolkata and Dhaka Cantt. since April 2008.

Considering the long standing demand of people of both the countries for more trains, the government of both countries have further decided to run another passenger train between Kolkata and Khulna through Petrapole-Benapole route, he added.

He opined that regular train services between Kolkata and Khulna is expected to be commence by July, 2017.

The Chief Mechanical Engineer of Bangladesh Railways Md. Iftikhar Hossain opined that this train service would not only fulfil long cherished aspirations of the people of Khulna would also go a long-way in improving the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

A 42-member delegation comprising of Bangladesh Railways and Customs were on board on its inaugural  run from Khulna to Kolkata..