Indian train goes to Bangladesh after 42-year break

An Indian train arrived in Bangladesh on Sunday on the first trial run before a planned resumption of rail services suspended some 42 years ago.

Bangladesh hopes regular passenger train services will be launched by mid-August to link its capital Dhaka to Kolkata, capital of West Bengal 375 km away.

The train carrying 30 officials from Kolkata was met by Bangladesh railway officials at Darshana, a border entry point.

The train, called "Moitree", reached its destination at Cantonment Station in Dhaka in late afternoon.

"Bangladesh has taken enough security measures for the Indian trial train, so that no one can cause any obstacle in efforts to consolidate ties between our two countries," A.T.M. lsmail, a Bangladesh communications ministry official, told Reuters.

A similar Samjhauta Express travels between India and Pakistan and 68 people were killed in a bomb attack on the New Delhi-Lahore train in February.

The train service between India and Bangladesh was suspended after the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, when Bangladesh was Pakistan's eastern province. The service was not restored even after Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971.

E.A. Ahamed, leader of Indian officials on Sunday's trial train service, said: "We are very hopeful for success of this service if launched. The attitude of the people here is very friendly."

Bangladesh will soon send a train to Kolkata on a similar trial run, before finalising the service, he said.

SECURITY TALKS

Security, immigration and customs arrangements crucial for such a cross-border service are to be drawn up at a two-day meeting between the countries' officials this week.

"Both countries would benefit if the service could be launched and run successfully," Bangladesh's acting Foreign Secretary (top bureaucrat of the foreign ministry), Touhid Hossain, said.

There are separate direct bus services linking Dhaka with Kolkata and Agartala, capital of Tripura.

Officials said nearly 3,000 people from the two countries legally travel across the borders daily.

Bangladesh and India share 4,000 km of common border.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070708/india_nm/india283716

^^

http://www.ittefaq.com/data/up/07/07/09/3290_1.jpg

http://www.ittefaq.com/get.php?d=07/07/09/w/n_zkxyut

http://www.indiaenews.com/art-culture/20070718/61244.htm

By Soudhriti Bhabani. West Bengal, India, 09:00 AM IST


When a train chugs out of Kolkata for Dhaka in September, it will be an emotional journey on wheels that people of Bangladesh and India have waited for over four decades to make.

The much-awaited India-Bangladesh rail service is finally set to become a reality with Kolkata getting connected with its cultural counterpart, Dhaka.

'We are ready to run the Indo-Bangladesh friendship train from Kolkata to Joydebpur, 35 km from Dhaka, tentatively in September. We haven't received any specific communique from them,' railway spokesman Deepak Jha told IANS.

He said there were some security constraints that were currently being sorted out by the external affairs and home ministries.

According to Eastern Railway sources, the weekly train, expected to cover 345 km between Kolkata and Dhaka, will have six coaches, including one air-conditioned chair car and a pantry.

Both trains will probably start from each side on Sundays. The journey will take about 12 hours and the fare will range between Rs.300 and Rs.800.

Kamral Hassain, first secretary of the Bangladesh deputy high commission here, is enthusiastic about the service. He said the Bangladesh government was keen to launch the train at the earliest.

'Every year almost 600,000 Bangladeshis come to India. In comparison only 80,000-90,000 Indians go to Bangladesh. After resuming the train service we expect that more people would travel between the two countries,' he said.

He added that Indians were more used to commuting by railways. Hence after this service begins, 'we are expecting a good rush from this side to Bangladesh'.

Hassain said: 'A team of top Bangladesh officials is coming to West Bengal for a trial run July 29. They are supposed to sit for another round of discussions here on security measures.'

A similar trial run was also done July 8 from Kolkata to Bangladesh, carrying a 14-member Indian delegation led by India's Additional Home Secretary A.E. Ahmed.

The intelligentsia of Kolkata is all for the train that will connect the two Bengals.

'It's a wonderful and people-friendly gesture. People from both countries will benefit culturally and it will strengthen their bonds,' said noted writer Nabanita Deb Sen.

The name of the train has not been finalised but it may be called Moitre Express (Friendship Express). The train will cover 122 km in the Indian side, from Kolkata to the Gede railway station, Jha said.

'Indian Railways has provided the minimum infrastructure required for running the train. But later we will keep developing the facilities at Gede as there is only one terminal there,' he said.

Jha pointed out that the trans-national train would have to wait for about two hours at Gede if the number of platforms were not increased.

The train service between India and Bangladesh was suspended in 1965 after the India-Pakistan war. Then known as East Pakistan, Bangladesh became a free country in 1971.

The only bottleneck now seems to be security worries.

Keeping in mind the increasing illegal influx from Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) will construct fencing along both sides of the track on the Indian side.

'The fencing will be extended up to the international border and there will also be patrolling in the fenced-off area,' said a BSF official.

(Soudhriti Bhabani can be contacted at ianskol@gmail.com)

Its good to see this finally happening. There needs to be more connections between the two Bengals.

Its good to see this finally happening. There needs to be more connections between the two Bengals.

Yap.. We should connect more towns of Bengal. Only Dhaka-Kolkata should not be an end.:)

From a ramshackle, tin-shed platform to a swanky, airport-style international terminus, the makeover of Gede railway station is nothing short of magical.

In the last couple of months, this nondescript railway station in Nadia, 116 km from Kolkata, has witnessed unbelievable change — that too on a war footing. Gone are the encroachments and banana plantations that lined the sole platform of this last station on the Indian side of the Indo-Bangla border. Now there is a swanky building with the latest water coolers and purifiers. Computers and X-Ray machines will be brought in over the next few weeks.
Only the fenced up platform, with gates on either end, and the barred windows of the building give away that fact that Gede station has actually been turned into a hi-tech fortress and is awaiting the start of passenger train services between Kolkata and Dhaka, possibly in September.

When the Dhaka Special chugs into Gede, it won’t be for a five-minute halt but a three-hour-long "sanitisation process". The entire train will be emptied of passengers, who will be put through a rigorous security check. There will be four counters each for customs and immigration — much as in an airport. There will be a separate area for frisking and security checks. While passengers are going through all this, the empty train will be pulled back from the station and thoroughly searched.

"While passengers are waiting at the station, they will have almost all facilities available at an airport. There will be comfortable seats and food counters for 300 people. We have managed to set up all the facilities in just two months," said S K Mandal, divisional railway manager, Sealdah.

Internet facilities will also be made available, he said. "We plan to have 30-35 counters on the platform itself. By then, a second platform and foot overbridge will have been constructed to accommodate local traffic. We have already spent Rs 3 crore here. A further Rs 3 crore has been sanctioned for a new station building, widening of the platform, creating accommodation for officials and procuring X-Ray machines. Once everything is completed, the total expenditure will be around Rs 33 crore," said Mandal.

"Though India has two other cross-border train links (with Pakistan), this will be the first train that will actually cross over into a foreign soil with passengers. Both in Punjab and Rajasthan, passengers have to get down at the border and board another train to Pakistan. In this case, the whole train will go to Darshana where there will be a change of locomotive only," said G K Mohanty, chief passenger transportation manager, Eastern Railway, adding that high-level talks will be held in Kolkata next Monday and Tuesday to finalise the frequency and fare structure.

India is not too keen to start off with a daily service between Kolkata and Dhaka due to infrastructure constraints. There are regular EMU services between Gede and Sealdah. A daily passenger train to Bangladesh along this single-line section will throw local train schedules haywire as the only platform will have to be out of bounds. As a result, officials want the Indo-Bangla train to run only on Sundays till a second platform can be constructed at Gede.

Officials here also want to start with a maximum of five coaches. The present infrastructure at Gede will allow for immigration, customs and security checks of only 300-odd passengers. This will take nearly three hours. If the train was to have more coaches, the process would get delayed.

"The total running time for the 406-km journey will be 12 hours, of which three hours will be spent at Gede alone. There will also be some checking at Dhaka. The train will not stop anywhere in between. Only end-to-end tickets will be issued," Mohanty said

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Kolkata/Makeover_for_Gede_railway_station/articleshow/2237375.cms

Kolkata, July 29: The Kolkata terminal was in the grip of festive mood today as it geared up to welcome a 35-member delegation of the Bangladeshi government. As the wheels of the cross-border Maitree Express rolled in at 5.02 pm, the station exploded in celebration. The train had left Dhaka cantonment at 7 am today (Bangladesh local time). This was the second trial run of the Maitree Express.

Today’s trial run was significant as it is the first time that a Bangladeshi train entered the Indian territory, after rail services between the two nations were suspended in 1965.

As the grating noise of the wheels of the Maitree Express grew louder, the station saw a flurry of activities.

Women clad in white and red-bordered saris took their position before the microphone, ready to belt out the welcome song. Flower bouquets were also ready to welcome the guests from across the border.

AGM Eastern Railways Somnath Mukherjee, DRM (Sealdah) S K Mondal and other senior rail officials were present to welcome the guests. The Bangladeshi delegates, led by A T K M Ismail, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Communications of the Government of Bangladesh, were pleased with the overwhelming reception. “We are deeply touched,” said Ismail.

The delegation comprising senior railway officials, Customs and immigration officials arrived here for a two-day inter-governmental meeting beginning tomorrow to discuss issues related to the cross-border train service.

All outstanding issues like frequency of trains, technology, security and trade will be finalised in this meeting.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi delegates are more than happy with the progress made in India in connection with the train service. “As far as preparation is concerned, they (Indian rail authorities) have made more progress than us,” said Ismail.

However, authorities on both sides of the border refused to specify a date on which the service will begin or the frequency of trains. “We will be able to throw some light only after the end of the two-day meeting,” Ismail added.

Source: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=248337

Hopefully they get better looking trains for the line :)

great info... what about in the parts of Assam?

The Dhaka Kolkata train - hopefully it will get the green light soon


:cheers:

photos copyright rahul_4640

When it was in WB recently on trial run

1
http://i17.tinypic.com/6h6d8ih.jpg

2
http://i15.tinypic.com/4q5snk4.jpg

3
http://i15.tinypic.com/5y1ezuv.jpg

Is that an indian manufactured train or a bangladeshi train,?,,nywys it looks good,,but not that good as that of rajadhani's!!!!waiting for somebody's help..

This is owned by Bangladesh Railway;
As far as I know, it was assembled in Syedpur, Bangladesh, and unassembled parts were imported from Indonesia.

I guess it looks half decent but I am still waiting for one of those Japanese style trains :D, I want Bangladesh to get them before Canada.

This is owned by Bangladesh Railway;
As far as I know, it was assembled in Syedpur, Bangladesh, and unassembled parts were imported from Indonesia.

Wow ... now that is impressive.

The Dhaka Kolkata train - hopefully it will get the green light soon


:cheers:

photos copyright rahul_4640

When it was in WB recently on trial run

1
http://i17.tinypic.com/6h6d8ih.jpg

2
http://i15.tinypic.com/4q5snk4.jpg

3
http://i15.tinypic.com/5y1ezuv.jpg

Great pics sun. I really like your collection. If you get some more then please keep updating :)

Thanks for the pics Suncity. Looks a notch above the trains I rode in BD when I was younger.

Long time ago, when I was young, trains didn't look any different than "murir tin".

how long would it take to go from Dhaka to Kolakata? Will it be expensive?

The much-awaited Kolkata-Dhaka passenger train service is caught on a row between India and Bangladesh over wire-mesh.

Though coaches, tracks and staff required to run the train are ready, the vexed issue of fencing the no-man's land has stalled the inaugural run till date.

While Indian authorities insist on fencing off the no-man's land at Indo-Bangla border for custom and immigration clearance, Bangladesh, it is learnt, has reservation about it.

A six-member high-powered delegation from Bangladesh Railway are coming to India next week to sort out the issue, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

"Though we are fully ready with our preparation to run the passenger train to Dhaka, the issue of fencing the area between Gede on Indian side and Darshana in Bangladesh has not been resolved yet," he said.



Tentatively named as Maitree Express, the train will have 14 coaches including AC coaches and pantry car and cover about 400 km distance between Chitpur (Kolkata) to Joydevpur (Dhaka) in 14 hours. "It is a non-stop train and though the journey will take only eight hours, the Custom and immigration clearance at both sides will take six hours.

"However, we are trying to reduce the custom clearance time to four hours," said the official.

"The ticket rate is fixed at Rs 450 per person tentatively. However, a final decision is likely to be taken soon", said the official.

We want the custom and immigration clearance to be done in a covered area of about 500 metres. The purpose behind fencing the entire clearance area is to make a fool-proof arrangement against possible infiltration and smuggling of contrabands," said the official.

Beside Railway Ministry, Ministry of External Affairs and Home Ministry are also involved in the exercise. The deployment of BSF, RPF, GRP and custom and immigration officials for the train is also being finalised.

Since the Indo-Bangla border is porous, there are cases of smuggling of contrabands and illegal crossing of border.

"We do not want the train to become a medium for illegal activities. That is why we are insisting on taking all possible measures including fencing the custom clearance area to prevent it," said the official.

Freight trains with 40 wagons are already operational between Kolkata and Dhaka. However, most of the time foodgrains and general goods are going from India to Bangladesh and not vice-versa. India exported 6.58 lakh tonnes of foodgrains and general goods through the freight train in 2005-06.

http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14536574

A six-member team of Bangladesh railway officials will visit New Delhi next week to find a solution to end the row over fencing on the no-man's land to start the much-awaited passenger train service between Kolkata and Dhaka.

Bangladesh remains reluctant to accept India's proposal for fencing the two sides on the no-man's land between Gede on Indian side and Darshana on Bangladesh side through which the “Maitree Express” will pass. India made the proposal for security reasons, particularly to stop cross-border smuggling.

While both the sides agreed on all other arrangements including the number of coaches, customs and immigration clearance, disagreement over the issue of fencing has held up the launch of the project.

“We are ready to launch the service but before that the issue of fencing on the no-man's land has to be sorted out”, said a senior official of Indian Railway.

Since the issue involves the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry, time would be required to settle the row, sources said.

A team of Bangladesh railway officials had already visited Kolkata in July this year.

The non-stop train journey between Chitpur station in Kolkata and Joydebpur in Dhaka will take about 14 hours, out of which six hours are earmarked for customs and immigration clearance.

Indian officials said the clearance time is likely to be reduced to four hours.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=6570

6 hrs for customs and immigration?

6 hrs for customs and immigration?

yap.. thats crazy man..:gaah:

6 hrs for customs and immigration?

Three hours each for either side to rake it in. :lol:

Dhaka train in 2 months, says Bangla army chief

KRISHNAGAR, Feb. 29: The Kolkata-Dhaka rail route will be opened shortly (in two months), as early as the Bengali New Year, said Mr Moeen-U-Ahmed, Bangladesh’s chief of army staff, following a tour of the Gede railway station near the Indo-Bangladesh border this morning.
Bangladesh army chief also met the CM at Writers’ Buildings and said the Kolkata-Dhaka rail route will be in service within two months. He expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements for the rail link between the two countries. When asked about the time frame for the Kolkata-Dhaka rail service to begin, Mr Ahmed said: “I am glad to visit the Gede railway station. I am hopeful about the success of the rail service between the two countries. I want the service to start shortly and if the governments of the two countries agree then the rail link could be inaugurated on the first day of the Bengali New Year.” Mr Md. Liakat, Bangladeshi High Commissioner and Mr Md Imraan, deputy Bangladeshi High Commissioner were also present during the inspection of the Gede railway station, which was supervised by the Bangladeshi defence advisor, Mr Brigadier Maksood. n SNS
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=6&theme=&usrsess=1&id=193171

^^ A good news. Glad they started the process again.

Bangladesh army chief also met the CM at Writers’ Building

If this is the only reason Mr. Moin went to Kolkata to meet with Buddhadev Babu -- then I have no problem believing the timeline.

Anyone know the complete route for this service? Does to go only to southwestern BD or ends it's route in Dhaka? Future plans to connect to Agartala , India?

I think that the black line through Bangladesh from kolkata to dhaka is the route. I couldn't find any other complete map.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Railway_network_schematic_map.png

^^ thanks the the awesome visual map.

-Have another question, will the tracks for electrified?

^^ Thanks for the map. I am assuming they will go across Jamuna Bridge. A shorter route via Khulna may be possible if proposed new bridge over Padma gets built in next decade or so.

deleted

^^ Thanks for the map. I am assuming they will go across Jamuna Bridge. A shorter route via Khulna may be possible if proposed new bridge over Padma gets built in next decade or so.

Yes tan, that will go via Jamuna Bridge. :cheers:

^^ thanks the the awesome visual map.

-Have another question, will the tracks for electrified?

The Sealdha to geda(Indian side of the border) is a electrified track. The other side is still not I guess. So, for the time being we need to use diesel locomotive.

Source: Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Railways_to_have_a_surplus_of_Rs_100000_cr_Lalu_Prasad/articleshow/2855791.cms)

NEW DELHI: Set to gather further steam in the next one year with a huge surplus of Rs 1,00,000 crore, Indian Railways will begin the much-awaited Kolkata-Dhaka service from April 14.

"In a historic decision, we have decided that the Kolkata-Dhaka train service would begin from the Bengali New Year (April 14)," Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said replying to a debate on the Railway Budget 2008-09, which was passed by the Lok Sabha.
....
....

Source: Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Railways_to_have_a_surplus_of_Rs_100000_cr_Lalu_Prasad/articleshow/2855791.cms)

Thanks for the update SarafIndian. Hope they actually start the service on schedule.

-Also is this only passenger service? if so any future plans for freight?

Thanks for the update SarafIndian. Hope they actually start the service on schedule.

-Also is this only passenger service? if so any future plans for freight?

I think there are already some freight services between us.


Source: http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-freight.html
...
...
Q. International freight: Are there direct freight trains running between India and neighbouring countries?

Freight trains run regularly between India and Pakistan via the Attari (Punjab) - Lahore route. The Munabao - Khokhrapar route is under consideration [2007] for goods traffic (it is currently only used for the Thar Express passenger traffic). Freight trains have also been running regularly between India and Bangladesh on the Gede-Darshana and Petrapole - Benapole routes. Another route connecting India and Bangladesh is Singhbad (India) - Rohanpur (Bangladesh). The Bongaon (India) - Jessore (Bangladesh) direct BG route has been proposed, and needs a 10km link constructed between Akhaura and Agartala. Nepal is connected to India by rail by the Birgunj - Raxaul line.
...

Business - Standard (http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=317025&tab=r)

India, Bangladesh on level crossing

Bijith R / New Delhi March 16, 2008

Maitree Express to be flagged off from Kolkata to Dhaka on April 14.

After nearly half a century, passenger trains will start plying between India and Bangladesh again. Train services, which had stopped because of the 1965 Indo-Pak war when Bangladesh was still a part of Pakistan, are all set to resume again.

After years of dilly-dallying, the Indian Railways, in co-operation with the Bangladesh government, will flag off the Maitree Express on April 14. It will take passengers from Chitpur in Kolkata to Dhaka Cantonment – a distance of around 400 kilometres.

The revenue sharing model for the proposed train will be in the ratio of 25 per cent to India and 75 per cent to Bangladesh. The final agreement for starting the train is expected to be signed by the end of March 2008 between the ministries of railways of both the countries.

According to Rail Bhavan officials, one train each from Kolkata and Dhaka Cantonment will start its journey every Saturday and will return to its respective territory on Sunday, thereby providing two services in a week.

The train that will ply from the Indian side will have a total of six coaches with two AC coaches, two Non-AC coaches and one pantry car.

The passenger fare for the train service is likely to be Rs 800 for AC second class, Rs 480 for AC Chair Car and Rs 320 for Non-AC coaches.

Second class AC coaches will have the capacity to carry 68 passengers, while AC Chair Car and Non-AC coaches can accommodate 72 and 74 passengers respectively.

The project got delayed because of the dispute that India had with Bangladesh on the issue of fencing along the border.

The two sides agreed to move forward on the project when the Bangladesh government approved fencing along the rail line on the border, thereby fulfiling a key Indian demand.

^^ Hopefully there are lots of pictures on the day they start this service.

Business - Standard (http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=317025&tab=r)

Why only one (two) trains a week? Why not daily? What is the frequency between the two Punjabs?

Why only one (two) trains a week? Why not daily? What is the frequency between the two Punjabs?

Lets them start first. Thats what we are waiting for. :)

Newage (http://www.newagebd.com/front.html)
Dhaka, Delhi set to sign train service deal next week
Raheed Ejaz

Bangladesh and India are set to sign a supplementary deal next week on the commissioning of the Maitree Express, cross-border passenger train service between the two next-door neighbours, by Pahela Baishakh.

The Dhaka–Kolkata passenger train service will initially begin without a box-type temporary fence on no man’s land on the Bangladesh side as it is yet to complete its preparation for fencing, communications ministry officials told New Age on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed, on his recent visit to India, said the cross-border train service may begin on Pahela Baishakh. ‘If everything goes well, the train will start running on Pahela Baishakh,’ Moeen told the newsmen after a visit to the Indian border station Gede on February 29. Pahela Baishakh falls on April 14 in both the countries this time.

‘As we have planned to move our customs and immigration point very near the international border, we need some more time to put up the fence,’ a high ministry official said.

Bangladesh will construct the fence similar to that of a tennis court and the design was in the final stages. The ministry officials said the deal for the Maitree Express would be signed at a three-day inter-governmental railway officials’ meeting scheduled to begin on March 23 in Dhaka.

PN Verma, member (traffic) of the Indian railways ministry, will lead his country to the talks while the home team will be led by additional secretary of the Bangladesh communications ministry ATKM Ismail.

A high-level team, led by the Bangladesh home secretary, Abdul Karim, is scheduled to visit Darshana on March 21 to asses the preparation for immigration and security measures required at the immigration point on the Bangladesh side.

Bangladesh has initially set up the immigration centre in a rented warehouse at Darshana. The centre will later be shifted near the international border. The cabinet on February 24 approved the Indian proposal for the construction of a box-type temporary fence on no man’s land between the two countries, clearing the way for the commissioning of direct passenger train service.

The proposal will be included in the Indo-Bangladesh agreement signed earlier, on the basis of which the train service will be in operation till mid-2010. The commissioning of the train service was delayed as the two countries failed to narrow down their difference over ‘security cage’ on the railway.

As per the earlier agreement regarding the frequency of the service, two trains are supposed to run a week, one from Bangladesh and the other from India. A train will leave Dhaka for Kolkata every Saturday and travel back to Dhaka on Sunday. Another train will leave Kolkata every Saturday and will go back on Sunday. The Maitree Express will have the capacity to carry 308 passengers at a time.

The Indo-Bangladesh passenger train will now run on the route between the cantonment station in Dhaka and Chitpur in Kolkata through the Darshana border. Train fares will be between $8 and $20 depending on the class for the 536km journey — 416km in Bangladesh and 120km in India.

Dhaka and New Delhi signed the agreement on the resumption of direct train service in 2001. A series of meetings have taken place at different levels between the two sides since then.

Passenger Train Between Bangladesh-India To Start On April 14

Bangladesh and Indian authorities on Sunday agreed that the much-awaited Dhaka - Kolkata passenger train service will be launched on April 14, the fist day of Bengali New Year.

The date will be announced officially after an agreement between the railway officials of the two countries. It is expected to be signed during a three-day bilateral talk in Bangladesh capital, Dhaka beginning on April 1, 2008, officials said.

"We are aiming to start the Dhaka-Kolkata passenger train service from Pahela Baishakh (the first day of Bengali New Year) ... You see, our rail minister has already announced the date in the parliament," India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty said on Sunday while replying to a reporter's query at the communications ministry in Dhaka, according to the Daily Star, a local newspaper, reports.

He was talking to reporters after a meeting with Communications Advisor Maj Gen (retd) Ghulam Quader.

"There are still some unfinished tasks, but we hope those will be finished by Pahela Baishakh," Communications Secretary of Bangladesh Mahbubur Rahman told reporters. "We have already done two trial runs and found no problems. Let's start the service; we can address problems if they come up."

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010416863

^^ Sounds good. But another drama begins..


Source (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/kolkatadhaka-train-service-likely-to-be-deferred_10031004.html)

KolkataDhaka train service likely to be deferred

Kolkata, Mar 25 (ANI): The Kolkata-Dhaka train service that was scheduled to be launched on April 14, is now expected to be delayed on the request of the West Bengal Government.
The West Bengal Government does not want the train service to be launched between April 7 and May 21 because of fears that it might disrupt the Panchayat elections.
The matter was discussed at the State Secretariat on Monday among Eastern Railway General Manager N K Goel, state Chief Secretary A K Deb and Home Secretary A M Chakraborty, according to the railway sources.
The sources said, No decision has yet been taken in the meeting for the delay.
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has already announced in Parliament that the ‘Moitree Express’ would run from April 14, coinciding with ‘Pahela Baisakh’ the first day of the Bengali New Year.
Bangladesh Communication Ministry officials said, The date would be announced officially after a supplementary deal between the railway officials of the two countries, which is expected to be signed during three-day bilateral talks in Dhaka from April 1. (ANI)

^^ Sounds good. But another drama begins..

Ahh looks like the train service is never going to start.. one obstacle after another! Btw, check this out.. view of Dhaka city from someone from Calcutta

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=29672

Things happen

Ahh looks like the train service is never going to start.. one obstacle after another! Btw, check this out.. view of Dhaka city from someone from Calcutta

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=29672

It is good that atleast one indian realized the spirit of real Bangladesh. 99% of indians have extreme misconception about BD as they see BD as a very poor country with full of islamic fanatics.

Not true. Poor country, maybe, but we don't think of you as Islamic fanatics. No one I know does.

It is good that atleast one indian realized the spirit of real Bangladesh. 99% of indians have extreme misconception about BD as they see BD as a very poor country with full of islamic fanatics.

I guess you know little about India. You will get plenty of people in India who think Bangladesh is very dynamic, well cultured and a booming country. And you will find very few people here who think Bangladesh as a country of Islamic fundamentalism.

I guess you know little about India. You will get plenty of people in India who think Bangladesh is very dynamic, well cultured and a booming country. And you will find very few people here who think Bangladesh as a country of Islamic fundamentalism.

Don't take too much offense at what sayem said KB335ci & SarafIndian, I think he generalized a bit. On the side note, I have very close friends in USA who are of Indian origins and they too have high regards of the entire Subcontinent not just Bangladesh. Its just that the media reports sometimes do tend to be one sided.

Dhaka-Kolkata train on track from Apr 14
Indian govt rejects West Bengal's request for delay
Shamim Ashraf

The Indian central government turned down the West Bengal government's request to postpone the launch of Dhaka-Kolkata passenger train service, clearing the way for the launch on Pahela Baishakh, officials here in Bangladesh yesterday said.

Authorities of the two countries are expected to sign a deal on commissioning "Moitree [friendship] Express" after completing the two-day bilateral talks between Bangladesh and Indian railway delegations beginning in Dhaka today, an official of the communications ministry told The Daily Star yesterday.

The railway officials will also sort out details regarding the cross-border passenger train service apart from discussing a number of "unsettled" issues including hire charge for goods train and interchanging of wagons.

The Moitree Express with a capacity of 370 passengers will run between Dhaka Cantonment Station in Dhaka and Chitpur Station in Kolkata through Darshana border, once a week from both sides.

"The Indian High Commission has informed us that the central government has turned down the West Bengal government's plea to re-fix the date for launching the train service," Communications Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told The Daily Star yesterday.

Dhaka, however, is yet to receive any letter in this regard, he said adding, "But we do not see any problem now to begin the train service on Pahela Baishakh."

Launching of the train on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, became uncertain after the West Bengal government requested the central government last week to defer the date to the last week of May, saying that going ahead with the programme might violate the code of conduct for the panchayat elections scheduled for May.

On March 11, Indian Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav announced at the Lok Sabha about starting the much-awaited friendship train on April 14.

ATKM Ismail, additional secretary of the communication ministry leading the six-member Bangladesh delegation in the bilateral talks, said the deal of launching the service will be signed after the talks end tomorrow.

"The Bangladesh government has already agreed to launch the train service from Pahela Baishakh. The issue will be raised at Indian parliament on April 3," he said.

The talks will begin at 11:00am at Rail Bhaban in the city.

RN Varma, Additional Member (Traffic) of Indian Railway Board, will lead the seven-member Indian delegation.

A train will leave Dhaka for Kolkata on Saturdays and start the return journey on Sundays. Another train will leave Kolkata on Saturdays and start the return on Sundays.

Sources said train fares will be between $8 and $20 depending on classes for the 538km journey--418km in Bangladesh and 120km in India.

India has already set up the necessary infrastructure like customs and immigration facilities, passengers' waiting halls and other related facilities at Gede Station on the Indian side of the border, said reports.

Meanwhile, the Darshana Station in Chuadanga is being renovated with facilities for immigration and customs check. Eight booths for immigration and one for customs check are under construction in Darshana Station.

"All the preparations will be made by Pahela Baishakh," said Mahbubur Rahman.

Sources said the rail authorities have been asked to make a complete plan to build a station with options for constructing metal fences at Joynagar of Chuadanga near the border.

Around three acres of land will be acquired for the purpose. If required, Bangladesh will also construct metal fences near the border for security reasons, the communications secretary told reporters.

http://thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=30372

Great news..14 April(Pahela Boishakh) is an excellent day to start the train service!

Don't take too much offense at what sayem said KB335ci & SarafIndian, I think he generalized a bit. On the side note, I have very close friends in USA who are of Indian origins and they too have high regards of the entire Subcontinent not just Bangladesh. Its just that the media reports sometimes do tend to be one sided.

I too, have good friends from India and Pakistan, who also have great regard for Bangladesh. Last year, I suddenly fell gravely ill and was in coma for a while. My wife has a friend whose husband is in the Indian Army. Because she is not allowed to call overseas from the base, she made her parents in Delhi call my wife every few days to find out how I was doing. Doesn't this tell us that we are the same people across the subcontinent?

Great news..14 April(Pahela Boishakh) is an excellent day to start the train service!

Yes. That's the perfect day.

:cheers:

Don't take too much offense at what sayem said KB335ci & SarafIndian, I think he generalized a bit. On the side note, I have very close friends in USA who are of Indian origins and they too have high regards of the entire Subcontinent not just Bangladesh. Its just that the media reports sometimes do tend to be one sided.

Don't worry about it. None taken. In fact, of all places on Earth, a female friend of mine from Bombay took a week-long vacation to Dhaka, Bangladesh. That's how badly us Indians think of BD. :D
On a more pleasant note, I'm elated at the imminent re-commencement of railway services between our two great nations. Jai Hind!

Maitry Express

Credit: chakraborty_deb

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2405759674_4d5134dc9b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/2404921287_329a3f7c8b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2353/2404931297_2798bddb69_b.jpg


Hope SarafIndian and others enjoy.

It is good that atleast one indian realized the spirit of real Bangladesh. 99% of indians have extreme misconception about BD as they see BD as a very poor country with full of islamic fanatics.

Most people think that Bangladesh is a poor country - including Indians. That being said, most people think India is a poor country too. That's because they both are poor, but improving quickly.

As for Islamic fundamentalists...whaa? I don't think anyone in India thinks that. Maybe for Pakistan, but not for Bangladesh...most Indians see Bangladesh as a progressing nation, Bengali bhailog...

Maybe you know very little about India.

As for Islamic fundamentalists...whaa? I don't think anyone in India thinks that. Maybe for Pakistan, but not for Bangladesh...most Indians see Bangladesh as a progressing nation, Bengali bhailog...

Maybe you know very little about India.

Guys calm down. Bangladesh, Pakistan or India we are all part of South asia let us learn to live together. If we speak positive about each other and co-operate it will only help in improving our overall image and help us progress on the long run. Also, every nation has its unique beauty and hospitality. Even countries like Iran which is portrayed as some evil black nation by Us media is a really nice place, cities like Tehran is timming with life and vibrancy.

Anyhow, it would be really interesting if one the members from India actually visits Dhaka in the inaugaral trip of "moitree express" and writes his view in here!

p.s amar thanks for sharing the pics, the trains look all ready to roll..

^^Agreed

Also, the trains look nice

More pics at BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7343248.stm

Crude bombs found in Maitree's path: Indian official

Some crude bombs have been found on a rail track through which the Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express will start rolling on Monday, Indian officials said.

http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=49224
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is a piece by Subir Bhaumik of BBC News, Kolkata detailing views from Nikhil Bangla Nagarik Sangha (NBNS) Chief. NBNS is apparently an HINDU group who has been inciting violence, terror and asking to divide Bangladesh for quite some time.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7338284.stm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here NBNS terror intention was clearly identified BUT no action by “friendly” authorities on other side.

http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/2008/04/12/fullnews.asp?News_ID=76563&sec=1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here NBNS action in Kolkata street with map curving Bangladeshi territory out. NBNS, like “BongoBhumi” group calling for separation of Bangladesh territory for sometime with active patronage authorities from other side.

http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/2008/03/27/fullnews.asp?News_ID=73911&sec=1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that bomb has been found in indian track, it would be interesting to see what Mr. Subir Bhaumik and BBC has to cover on the story.

snoq, it looks like some folks are dying to see this initiative fail. I don't care which side they are from - i see them as our enemies - just like you do.

Finally the countdown begins (http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/04/14/news0304.htm)

Dhaka-Kolkata train service begins today

The long-awaited train service on Dhaka-Kolkata route, connecting the two SAARC countries by rail, formally kicks off Monday, on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, after long 43 years.

The first train leaves Dhaka Cantonment station at 8:30 am tomorrow, while another train from Kolkata is scheduled to arrive at the Dhaka Cantonment station at 8:30 pm the same day. The two close neighbours are now ready to receive and welcome the guests and passengers of the inaugural trains. Government officials, distinguished personalities and journalists will be among the passengers of the first trains.

Initially, two trains will run on the Dhaka-Kolkata route, on Saturdays and Sundays every week. Each train will have facility for some 417 passengers in seven compartments.

Some 304 tickets for the inaugural Kolkata-bound train service have already been sold out at Dhaka's Kamalapur railway station till 12pm Sunday and the remaining tickets will hopefully be sold out, said Railway Station Manager Abu Saeed Ahmed.

All necessary arrangements, including security and immigration measures, have been completed ahead of the formal run of Dhaka-Kolkata "Moitree Express" train between the two neighbouring countries.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation has made preparations to welcome the guests who will come from Kolkata in the inaugural run of the "Moitree Express" train. Guests will be received through dance, songs and sprinkling of petals at the Dhaka Cantonment station. The train communication between Dhaka and Kolkata was suspended in March 1965 following the war between India and Pakistan when Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan) was a part of Pakistan. Train fares have been fixed at between $8 and $20 depending on the classes for the 538km journey -- 418km in Bangladesh and 120km in India. Fares for each sleeping berth is $20, AC chair coach $12 and non-AC chair coach $8.

Darshana in Chuadanga district will be the immigration checkpoint for passengers from India, while Dhaka Cantonment station for the outbound passengers.

On April 10, Bangladesh and India signed an agreement clearing the way for cross-border run of trains on the Dhaka-Kolkata route from Pahela Baishakh.

Communications Secretary Dr Mahbubur Rahman and Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarti inked the deal on behalf their respective governments.

Maitry Express

Credit: chakraborty_deb

Hope SarafIndian and others enjoy.

Very nice pics Amar. Thanks you Amar. Also, thanks to chakraborty_deb for taking those nice snaps.

:cheers:

snoq, it looks like some folks are dying to see this initiative fail. I don't care which side they are from - i see them as our enemies - just like you do.

Friendship can not be one sided affair it needs two sides. Have you seen any indian media or mainstream civic groups or even general public rejecting these groups? In fact here in the thread there is not resentment towards these acts. Rather these groups and their acts are condoned widely on other side. My point is we should be friendly but not desperate, NOT when other side tries to stab you on the back.

Friendship can not be one sided affair it needs two sides. Have you seen any indian media or mainstream civic groups or even general public rejecting these groups? In fact here in the thread there is not resentment towards these acts. Rather these groups and their acts are condoned widely on other side. My point is we should be friendly but not desperate, NOT when other side tries to stab you on the back.

Relax snoq, You are beginning to sound like someone from the Bush administration. Just because you don't condone acts done by Other people doesnt mean you support them.

-On the brighter note, Its seems that The Maitree Express complete its first journey safely.

Relax snoq, You are beginning to sound like someone from the Bush administration. Just because you don't condone acts done by Other people doesnt mean you support them.

-On the brighter note, Its seems that The Maitree Express complete its first journey safely.

I am relaxed and just stating the obvious reality. But you seem to have some sort of allegiance towards other side – advocating foreign corp. and now speaking the mind of others side. I hope you realize what you sound like….I hope you have a good umbrella because there will be lots of rain on other side for long time to come……

I am relaxed and just stating the obvious reality. But you seem to have some sort of allegiance towards other side – advocating foreign corp. and now speaking the mind of others side. I hope you realize what you sounding like….I hope you have a good umbrella because there will be lots of rain on other side for long time to come……

I went out.......Bought the best umbrella I could find. :)

^^ If you start out with that presupposition that the whole of India is just out to get Bangladesh then you lose objective judgement. We must foster mutual understanding and respect and this train is one step towards that. We have been mistreated by India in some ways but for that to change the solution is not burning bridges but building them. India also has legitimate concerns and these should not be swept under the rug either. What we have in common with all South Asia is greater than our differences and focusing on old hatreds will get us nowhere. BTW there was indeed a BBC article today; I post it below.

From BBC:

Dhaka-Calcutta train link resumes

The passenger train service between Calcutta in India and the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, has resumed after an interval of more than 40 years.

Trains travelled in both directions on Monday - the first service since the 1965 war between India and Pakistan.

Bangladesh - previously East Pakistan - gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 but Delhi and Dhaka only agreed to resume the train link in 2001.

The train has been dubbed the Maitreyi, or Friendship, Express.

One service left Dhaka on Bengali New Year's Day on Monday for the inaugural 500km (310 mile) run to Calcutta, with another train running from Calcutta to Dhaka.

The BBC's Bangladesh correspondent - travelling to Calcutta - says some in India have expressed concern that the train could lead to an increase in smuggling and illegal immigration.

Our correspondent says that even though security checks at the border will take four hours, the new train is another sign that normal relations are being established.

Protests

Meanwhile the 360-seater Calcutta-Dhaka Friendship Express on its inaugural run was carrying barely 65 passengers, including journalists and politicians, says BBC's Subir Bhaumik who is travelling to Dhaka on the train.

"The inaugural service has been started in a hurry and people are still not aware of where to get tickets. But once they know, the trains will go full and I have no doubt about that," said Indian railway spokesman Samir Goswami.

Bangladesh and India's West Bengal state used to form united Bengal and many people on both sides of the border share a common language and have relatives on the other side.

With one-way tickets starting from $8 (£4), it is expected to be popular with Bangladeshis visiting family, looking for work, shopping or seeking medical treatment in their wealthier neighbour.


One man on the train said he was returning to his village in Bangladesh after 60 years.

"I came to India as a refugee when I was six year old but for me Kalindi in Bangladesh, the village I was born, remains my motherland," said Janatosh Pal, his voice choked with emotion.

Public enthusiasm was palpable and thousands lined up on both sides of the railway track all the way from Calcutta to Gede on the border, waving at the train.

A group representing Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, Nikhil Banga Nagarik Sangha (All Bengal Citizens Committee), briefly obstruct the train because they are opposed to it.

"There is no reason why India should develop close links with Bangladesh when Hindus are persecuted in that country," said the group's chief Subhas Chakrabarti.

Police blamed the group for planting three bombs on the route on Sunday. The bombs were defused and scores of the group's supporters were arrested while demonstrating near the tracks.

Bilateral relations were dogged by suspicion and rivalry for many years even though India helped Bangladesh win its independence from Pakistan, says our correspondent.

Disagreements over security arrangements delayed the implementation of the rail link after the two countries signed an agreement in 2001.

A passenger coach and freight trains already run between the two countries.

Its a proven fact that friendship and cooperation is beneficial to all parties.

Snoq, we want friendship with all our neighbours from near and far.

Great to see this initiative working.And the fact that it started on Pahela Boishak made the whole thing even more exciting.Suncity,Saraf,and others,do visit us sometime,the first one to come gets a free treat from me :cheers:

Great to see this initiative working.And the fact that it started on Pahela Boishak made the whole thing even more exciting.Suncity,Saraf,and others,do visit us sometime,the first one to come gets a free treat from me :cheers:

We Americans get no luv! Enu invites Skyprince, Mirza invites Suncity and Saraf...poor me is left without place to visit :ohno:

We Americans get no luv! Enu invites Skyprince, Mirza invites Suncity and Saraf...poor me is left without place to visit :ohno:

Hahaha

Couple of new along with recent pics nayeem007 mentioned before.

Source:BBC

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44565000/jpg/_44565620_train466.jpg
The passenger train service between Calcutta in India and the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, has resumed after an interval of more than 40 years. (Picture: Subir Bhaumik)


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44565000/jpg/_44565634_caltrainpoliceafp466.jpg
Security was tight before the train service left Calcutta on Bengali New Year's Day on Monday for the inaugural 500km (310 mile) run to Dhaka, with another train running in the opposite direction.


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44565000/jpg/_44565659_trainpassafp466.jpg
The 360-seater Calcutta-Dhaka Friendship Express carried barely 65 passengers on its inaugural run, with many coaches empty. Authorities believe that the traffic will improve over time.


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44565000/jpg/_44565642_kolkatatrainafp466.jpg
Public enthusiasm was palpable and thousands lined up on both sides of the railway track all the way along the route.


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44560000/jpg/_44560761_painting_bbc.466.jpg
Fresh paint has been applied to the train, the first to connect India and Bangladesh since the latter was still part of Pakistan in 1965. (Picture: Amitabh Bhattasali)


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44560000/jpg/_44560760_hardhat_bbc220.jpg
Around 70 Indian railwaymen worked on furnishing, painting and checking the electrical fittings of the train. (Picture: Amitabh Bhattasali)


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44560000/jpg/_44560762_seats_bbc466.jpg
The service from what was then East Pakistan to Calcutta was suspended just after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. (Picture: Amitabh Bhattasali)

Memory express
- East is east and west is west but the trains have met, after 43 years (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080415/jsp/frontpage/story_9139664.jsp)

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff132/SarafIndian/banglatrain.jpg

I am assuming the train crosses Padma on the Hardinge? Is that the case?

IRxMEVpycZ4

I am assuming the train crosses Padma on the Hardinge? Is that the case?

Yes you are right as the above report says:

Minutes later, the Maitree is trundling across the Harding Bridge over the Padma. Families on boats in the river out on what is arguably the biggest festival in Bangladesh – Poila Boisakh -- point to the train and wave as it passes overhead.

Wow... Dhaka cantonment station is better suited for an international train service than Kamalapur station?

Majhi Bhai -- AFAIK broad-gauge track has been laid only upto Dhaka Cantt. Station. (which is actually dual-gauge from Jamuna Bridge to Dhaka Cantt. and broad gauge from Kolkata to the other side of Jamuna Bridge).

The Broad gauge engine and bogies form India cannot come up to Dhaka Kamalapur Terminal. Track from Cantt. station to Kamalapur is still narrow gauge (as far as I know).

Hey guys,

I got the Indian railway website link from our Indian section(Posted by Jayb). Please have a look at the pictures..

http://www.irfca.org/gallery/Uploads/IR_BR/

:cheers:

Cool pics :)

There are WDM2 engines for Bangladesh Railway BroadGauge side as well.

Thanks for the pics Saraf

Congrats! They should make it a non-stop service. Very practical and affordable for people from both countries.

Moitree (Friendship) Express

Credit:bhaswaran

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/2430088295_accfa206fd_b.jpg

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2430866930_8bc2351069_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2430866920_6b55851d0c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2430856936_16437f610e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2430866908_7f7d6c965c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2430856940_eece194410_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2430876484_36693c7c4a_b.jpg

Woh!!!.. That looks so great. Great picture yaar. Thanks Amar..

:cheers:

Woh!!!.. That looks so great. Great picture yaar. Thanks Amar..

:cheers:

Your welcome, hope to get videos in the future.

Majestic Maitree crosses Kalyani outer

3o4TQ-lvkiQ

Another video

EOfDikfcBSo&feature=related

Majestic Maitree crosses Kalyani outer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o4TQ-lvkiQ

Another video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOfDikfcBSo&feature=related

I sent to a PM nayeem

I sent to a PM nayeem

Thanks, I embedded the videos as you recommended!

Good stuff. There are lot more people taking the train from Bangladesh side than Indian side.

Good stuff. There are lot more people taking the train from Bangladesh side than Indian side.

Hard to find out if this is economically viable since IR and BR are both state owned companies.

http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/2008/04/26/fullnews.asp?News_ID=78626&sec=1

http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/fullnews.asp?News_ID=78795&sec=1

Good stuff. There are lot more people taking the train from Bangladesh side than Indian side.

This "train service" pushed not so much for passenger services. Different intention was always was and is in indian policy makers mind. Without further elaborating just look around on what’s cooking for "transit" you will have the answer.

But then again, if we read news "as is" we will never get to understand the REAL news behind typical news article.

This "train service" pushed not so much for passenger services. Different intention was always was and is in indian policy makers mind. Without further elaborating just look around on what’s cooking for "transit" you will have the answer.

But then again, if we read news "as is" we will never get to understand the REAL news behind typical news article.

This is an elaborate topic and might move the thread in a tangent. Such long standing mistrusts among south asian countries needs to end if we want to make collective progress.

In medicine we are taught a saying, "If you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." IE the simplest explanation is usually correct. Of course sometimes the hoofbeats might come from zebras. But some are inclined to believe, that a hoofbeat cannot possibly imply a horse, always a zebra.

This is an elaborate topic and might move the thread in a tangent. Such long standing mistrusts among south asian countries needs to end if we want to make collective progress.

Perhaps you can educate us on your thought of "collective progress".

When large population is victim of other’s bad policy and treaty violation how do you move forward without correcting what is/are already wrong?

Do you mean to say, forget about sufferings of millions and millions of people?

And when we do not have means to enforce agreement, how do you provide 150 million people guarantee that future agreement will not be broken?

More importantly how do you guarantee future generation will not suffer because of in the name of co-operation some treaty was signed without geo-strategic and economic consideration.

Maitree Express journey time decreased by 2hours by cutting down on immigration formalities

http://www.ittefaq.com/content/2008/04/29/news0728.htm

Let us just hope that this great facility is not exploited and abused by the illegal immigrants and currupt officials ...

Hope few hundred thousands indians who are illegally working in BD are not seen as good example by others and jump on the train. Besides, this train services was because of indian push.

Hope few hundred thousands indians who are illegally working in BD are not seen as good example by others and jump on the train.

^^
:lol:

:lol:

and another,

:lol:

WHATEVER!


WAIT, is that even English you just typed there? :)

^^
Arguments aside, this service isn't going survive unless the travel time is shortened and inconviences eliminated.

^^
:lol: :lol: and another, :lol: WHATEVER!

WAIT, is that even English you just typed there? :)

It seems with exception of Suncity and Saraf, Indians who visit this forum recently feel compelled to behave in a condescending or some otherwise unconstructive manner. Please note your friend "Jaan-Pune" has been banned...so please consider some other outlet for your cockiness, lest you find yourself in the same boat. If you are afraid India is about to get flooded with illegal immigrants, terrrorists, and the like...feel free to take it up with your own politicians, since they were the biggest proponents of this particular piece of infrastructure.

^^
:lol:

:lol:

and another,

:lol:

WHATEVER!


WAIT, is that even English you just typed there? :)
naw he be typin ebonics

@Tanzirian, before you jump to conclusions based on my reaction to a comment that I think was COMPLETELY "unconstructive" (LOL), I urge you (or not, who cares) to educate your "friends" on this forum. Half-baked information is NEVER constructive.
Oh, and stop with your damned complex that deems others ("with the exception of suncity and saraf") as condescending and what not. I've only had positive views on Bangladesh, so chill the eff out. It's all good.

@dopekhor: LOL

It seems with exception of Suncity and Saraf, Indians who visit this forum recently feel compelled to behave in a condescending or some otherwise unconstructive manner. Please note your friend "Jaan-Pune" has been banned...so please consider some other outlet for your cockiness, lest you find yourself in the same boat. If you are afraid India is about to get flooded with illegal immigrants, terrrorists, and the like...feel free to take it up with your own politicians, since they were the biggest proponents of this particular piece of infrastructure.

Damn! That "Jaan-Pune" was creating trouble here too??? Damn! I thought it was only the Pakistani forum that suffered his onslaught! LOL! :lol:

Yeah Suncity rocks!! :rock: Wish more were like him! :yes:

@Tanzirian, before you jump to conclusions based on my reaction to a comment that I think was COMPLETELY "unconstructive" (LOL), I urge you (or not, who cares) to educate your "friends" on this forum. Half-baked information is NEVER constructive.
Oh, and stop with your damned complex that deems others ("with the exception of suncity and saraf") as condescending and what not. I've only had positive views on Bangladesh, so chill the eff out. It's all good.

@dopekhor: LOL

KB335ci, we are hoping we never hear from you again. No one from here goes over to Indian sub forum and starts arguing. We expect the same treatment from you. If you can't do the same then please stay out of the Bangladesh sub forum.

TMAC, it's called 'freedom of speech', and I'm sorry you can't handle it. Speaks volumes of the way you guys handle issues. I've never argued on here - EVER. It's obvious that you can't handle outsiders' comments that don't wreak of sugar-coated praises. Besides, it's unfortunate that no one from here posts in other south asian sub forums. We'd love to have you guys share your views and opinions in the Indian sub forum -afterall, we encourage 'freedom of speech'.
Cheers

TMAC, it's called 'freedom of speech', and I'm sorry you can't handle it. Speaks volumes of the way you guys handle issues. I've never argued on here - EVER. It's obvious that you can't handle outsiders' comments that don't wreak of sugar-coated praises. Besides, it's unfortunate that no one from here posts in other south asian sub forums. We'd love to have you guys share your views and opinions in the Indian sub forum -afterall, we encourage 'freedom of speech'.
Cheers

read my post before making a dumb statement. I never said we don't write comments in other forums. I said we never "start arguing" in other forums. It's called acting civil....something you are unfamiliar with.

READ MINE BEFORE MAKING DUMBER STATEMENTS...
Don't even get me started on 'acting civil'!

READ MINE BEFORE MAKING DUMBER STATEMENTS...
Don't even get me started on 'acting civil'!

I have warned you here once, then I have given you an infraction and it will continue unless you start behaving.

Hahahahaha. LOL @ WARNED!
You've proved my point again, it's called ' the freedom of speech and expression'!

@Tanzirian, before you jump to conclusions based on my reaction to a comment that I think was COMPLETELY "unconstructive" (LOL), I urge you (or not, who cares) to educate your "friends" on this forum. Half-baked information is NEVER constructive.
Oh, and stop with your damned complex that deems others ("with the exception of suncity and saraf") as condescending and what not. I've only had positive views on Bangladesh, so chill the eff out. It's all good.

@dopekhor: LOL

KB, if you are opposed to the India-BD railway, or to Snoq's comments, you are more than welcome to explain why that is the case. Snoq's info may or may not be half baked, but what about yours? (All you did was criticize his English). When I used the words "condescending" or "unconstructive" I was not referring to you specifically, but on a pattern I have noticed in recent times here. We ourselves criticize many aspects of BD / BD govt etc so I don't know why you would say "only sugar coated" allowed here. Peace, bro.

Tan and others, please do not allow this guy to derail the thread. Appropriate actions will be taken to deal with him.

Looks like he is done. lol @ the posts count he ended up with...a bizarre coincidence there!... lets 're-rail' the thread now!:-)

Looks like he is done. lol @ the posts count he ended up with...a bizarre coincidence there!... lets 're-rail' the thread now!:-)

great observation tareq:lol::lol:

lawl at dem ndn beetches

Coming back to the thread's topic -- why can't they introduce a machine-readable passport system in both countries so people can be tracked easily and waved through quickly. This would reduce the three hour immigration wait to get into India.

There's way too much distrust unfortunately on the Indian administration's part to allow Bangladeshi's to go spend money in Kolkata or Delhi.

I thought Bangladesh had machine-readable passports already.

Kolkata's all new station: The Kolkata Terminal
Newly built International Station to facilitate the new Maitree Express Rail Service between Kolkata and Bangladesh.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284/dave302de/kolterminal2.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284/dave302de/kolterminal.jpg

A close up of the big screen television set outside over the front entrance.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284/dave302de/koltv.jpg

^^ Very nice, thanks.

Looks very well maintained. Thanks kolkatausa.

http://ipsnews.net/pictures/dhaka1.jpg

very nice

Is the train line going to be extended till Kamlapur in Dhaka? If so, is there any plans for having a seperate International terminal.

I also believe that the Kamlapur station needs to be modernized and cleaned, clearing rickshaws from main entrance, because it will then become the gateway to Bangladesh and not just a domestic railway station.

Is the train line going to be extended till Kamlapur in Dhaka? If so, is there any plans for having a seperate International terminal.

I also believe that the Kamlapur station needs to be modernized and cleaned, clearing rickshaws from main entrance, because it will then become the gateway to Bangladesh and not just a domestic railway station.

Kamalapur is being modernized and getting a facelift. Some of those include beautification of surrounding area. "the terminal building will be embellished with murals, paintings and fountains. Greeneries will be added to the front with landscaping." . electronic display board will be installed. Etc....

Kamalapur station to wear new look
Murals, paintings, fountains and greeneries to increase beauty
Shahnaz Parveen

A facelift right on the face of Kamalapur in progress. Photo: STAR
Kamalapur, the largest railway station in Bangladesh, is set to have a new appearance and improved commuter service soon, sources said.

A Tk 44.68 crore projects for development and beautification are underway to revamp the 40-year-old station building and the main compound.

Formally launched in May 1968, the station is the centre point of railway link with rest of the country. For its grand architecture the station attracts many tourists.

Railway sources said the terminal building will be embellished with murals, paintings and fountains. Greeneries will be added to the front with landscaping.

Under the project, electronic display board will be installed for announcing timetable and routes of the trains. Signs and directions will be put up at all the points.

Wheelchairs will be added to ease the sufferings of the physically-challenged passengers. There will be trolleys for more comfortable luggage carrying. The waiting lounge, newspaper stand and the restaurant will be extended.

ATM booth, fire-fighting equipment will be added. Security will also be beefed up with closed circuit camera and metal detectors.

Md Shafiqul Alam Khan, director (public relations), Bangladesh Railway, said, "The idea is to improve the commuter service and modernise the terminal building. Most interesting thing is that Bangladesh Railway will not spend any money for this job."

Alam, who is in charge of the beautification project, said, "Private advertising firms will execute the job on their own expenses and in exchange they will be allowed to rent space for advertisements. However, we will not allow too much advertising."

The murals and paintings will have motifs that will reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of Bangladesh, he added.

Initially 22 companies showed interest in the beautification project. Dia Consortium was selected from 7 short-listed firms that participated in the tender. An agreement to this effect was signed on January 17 this year.

Alam said around Tk 15 crore will be spent by private firms for beautification only. The rest amount is earmarked for terminal extension and renovation.

Around 20,000 passengers travel through the station every day. Twenty intercity, express and mail trains connect the capital city with rest of the country every day. Besides, four daily cargo trains transport merchandise to and from river and land ports.

Meanwhile, the incomplete extension project of the terminal building that started in December 2003 and scheduled to finish by June 2005 finally saw some headway.

Executive Engineer of the extension project Md Arifuzzaman said construction of passenger sheds on platform 1, 4 and 5 has already been finished. Passengers suffered a lot during summer and monsoon as these platforms did not have any shed earlier.

Incomplete sheds on platforms 6 and 7 have also been extended.

The station has a total of 10 platforms.

Currently under construction is a shed connecting the terminal building with the parking lot. “Passengers arriving at the station by rickshaw or CNG used to suffer as they had to get off on the street and drag their luggage from there,” said Arifuzzaman.

“The connecting shed will solve the problem. Vehicles will now drop off passengers right under the shed, which connects directly with the main terminal,” he added.

The beautifully designed concourses of the terminal, the main attraction of the building, have also been renovated.

Railway officials hope to wrap up the project by June this year.
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=32251

That's excellent news! The report says that the renovation will be completed by June, can someone post some recent pics?

That's excellent news! The report says that the renovation will be completed by June, can someone post some recent pics?

Ershad Ahmed @ http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ took some pics of the renovation, but it seems like they are definitely not going to make the June deadline.

Yeah the images are in his May folder.

IMHO they should work on removing the squatters from Kamalapur to Khilgaon on both sides of the tracks. Then fence it off.

^^public access to the tracks should be totally blocked. this is more important than murals, paintings, fountains and greeneries.

Maitree Express journey time decreased by 2hours by cutting down on immigration formalities

http://www.ittefaq.com/content/2008/04/29/news0728.htm

what are the immigration formalities like. Here in the UK the eurostar between london and paris, london and brussels(belguim) it is very much like airport except train instead of plane. we buy eurostar ticket, take our passport, go to station, checkin, then on train, then check out at the destination railway. From Waterloo (london) i been to Gare du nord (paris) and to brussels midi and its a hassle free experience. Now the Euro star trains come to london euston/ st pancras and i havent used that yet. In the trains when travelling there were no immigration officers, just trolly dollies selling drinks and snacks. both euro and uk pound is accepted.

so what is the bangladesh and india trains like in terms of immigration formalities.??

Thanks :)

what are the immigration formalities like. Here in the UK the eurostar between london and paris, london and brussels(belguim) it is very much like airport except train instead of plane. we buy eurostar ticket, take our passport, go to station, checkin, then on train, then check out at the destination railway. From Waterloo (london) i been to Gare du nord (paris) and to brussels midi and its a hassle free experience. Now the Euro star trains come to london euston/ st pancras and i havent used that yet. In the trains when travelling there were no immigration officers, just trolly dollies selling drinks and snacks. both euro and uk pound is accepted.

so what is the bangladesh and india trains like in terms of immigration formalities.??
Thanks :)

Wouldn't be a fair comparison. Those countries are all EU members (and formerly of EEC) with liberalized border controls.

I read that the immigration and customs experience is terrible for the train (DAC-CCU) passengers.

Maitree Express journey time reduced


New Delhi, July 24 (PTI) With a view to make it more convenient for passengers, Railways have decided to reduce the journey time of Maitree Express, connecting Kolkata and Bangladesh capital, Dhaka.

It has also changed the scheduled days of the train with effect from August .

The train will now depart from Dhaka cantonment at 9.30 am on Tuesdays and Sundays and will reach Kolkata at 6.45 pm the same day instead of at 9 pm earlier.

The train will leave Kolkata at 7.10 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays and will arrive at Dhaka at 7 pm the same day.

As per the timings of Maitree Express, the total journey time from Kolkata to Dhaka has been reduced from 11 hours 50 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes and similarly the journey time from Dhaka to Kolkata has been reduced from 13 hours to 10 hours 45 minutes.

http://www.ptinews.com/news/193152_Maitree-Express-journey-time-reduced

Kamalapur is being modernized and getting a facelift. Some of those include beautification of surrounding area. "the terminal building will be embellished with murals, paintings and fountains. Greeneries will be added to the front with landscaping." . electronic display board will be installed. Etc....


http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=32251

^^ Amar any update on this? Do you know if Kamlapur railstation modernization has been completed or not?

^^ Amar any update on this? Do you know if Kamlapur railstation modernization has been completed or not?

sorry no further info.

the train looks pretty damn good, looks pretty modern to south asian standards!

Hello, Have attached a few photos of Maitree... enjoy!

Gentlemen, I am a new user to SSC- I am unable to post attachments so sosryy cant give u the Maitree photos. Can anyone suggest how to go about it?

Gentlemen, I am a new user to SSC- I am unable to post attachments so sosryy cant give u the Maitree photos. Can anyone suggest how to go about it?

Welcome to SSC. Please introduce yourself, if you haven't done so already.

You cannot attach (paste) pictures (photos) as a part of your post. You can refer to the link(s) to a picture if it is available elsewhere, for example, flickr or picasa. In other words, sign up where you can upload photos, like flickr, picasa, photobucket. Upload your pictures and then refer (embed) their links in your posts here.

Hope this helps.