Another passenger train will be launched to connect Dhaka with New Jalpaiguri (NJP) on March 26, marking the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh's independence.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to flag off the new train during the latter's visit to Bangladesh.
The new cross-border train between Dhaka and NJP of Shiliguri is expected to be launched 55 years after suspension of its service between the two countries.
With this, three passenger trains would be operated between the two neighbouring countries.
The train will be operating through New Jalpaiguri Rail Junction of West Bengal State of India and Chilahati-Haldibari route of Nilphamari of Bangladesh, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh Railway (BR).
It said the decision on the days and times of operation, immigration and fares will be finalised in a meeting after discussion.
Sources said the two sides of the railways will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday.
But an official said the train may operate twice a week on Monday and Thursday. It may start from NJP in the morning and go back on the same day.
BR sources said issuance of visa to avail passenger service has not yet started. "So, it may take few more days to start regular train service," said a source.
BR has proposed operating train like Maitree Express with the passenger capacity of 538.
Bangladesh and Indian Railways launched goods train service through Haldibari-Chilahati route on December 17, 2020.
