Barisal Express Explained

The Barishal Express was a railway train that was one of three train services running between India and Bangladesh (then East Pakistan).[1]

History

The Barishal Express launched in 1884.[2] The train connected the Indian city of Kolkata (then Calcutta) with the city of Khulna in Bangladesh, with a link train from Rupsa to Bagerhat for connecting Barishal. The train used to take 4 hours to complete the 176km (109miles) journey. The link train used to take another 1 hrs 45 minutes to connect Bagerhat, 74km (46miles) away from Khulna. The railway link was suspended at the outbreak of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. In 1972, the route reopened for 2 years for goods train service.[2]

An agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh in July 2000 to re-establish the train link. Feasibility studies had been going on since 1994.[2] The Bandhan Express is a new train recreating this route in the 21st century.[3] [4] [5] The immigration checks have been moved to Calcutta train station to avoid losing hours waiting at the border.[6] New Railway line to Barishal is being constructed, the line will bifurcate at Rupsanagar from the Mongla Port railway line & then head eastward towards Jatharpur, Sakambhuj, Bagerhat & then end at Barishal.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Thapliyal. Sangeeta. India–Bangladesh Transportation Links: A Move for Closer Cooperation. Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. 17 November 2017.
  2. News: India, Bangladesh reintroduce rail link. subscription. 21 January 2001. Haroon Habib. The Hindu. 15 March 2018.
  3. News: Maitree Express-II chugged across India, Bangladesh border amid cheers, applause. Indo-Asian News Service. Firstpost. 8 April 2017. 13 April 2017.
  4. News: Sheikh Hasina visit: Maitree Express to be made fully AC, new passenger service to be announced. Press Trust of India. The Indian Express. 7 April 2017. 13 April 2017.
  5. News: Prime Minister of India & Prime Minister of Bangladesh Jointly along with Chief Minister, West Bengal Flag off New Cross-Border Train between India & Bangladesh, "Kolkata–Khulna Bandhan Express" from Kolkata through Video Confencing . Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Railways . 9 November 2017. 10 November 2017 .
  6. Web site: Train to Khulna chugs out after 52 years . https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133904/https://www.telegraphindia.com/calcutta/train-to-khulna-chugs-out-after-52-years-184951. dead. 15 March 2018. The Telegraph . Calcutta . 10 November 2017. 15 March 2018.