New chapter in India-Bangladesh relations: 10 Things to know about newly inaugurated 'Bandhan Express'

The newly inaugurated Bandhan Express commutes between Khulna, the third largest city in Bangladesh and Kolkata.
Inauguration of Bandhan Express via video conferencing. (Image tweeted by ANI)
Inauguration of Bandhan Express via video conferencing. (Image tweeted by ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday jointly flagged-off the Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express via video-conferencing. 

Here are some key points about the newly-inaugurated train: 

1) The newly inaugurated Bandhan Express commutes between Khulna, the third largest city in Bangladesh and Kolkata. 

2) Bandhan Express was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee via video-conferencing.

3) Though flagged off today, Bandhan Express will commence its commercial run only from November 16.

4) According to Indian Railways website, the train has two main halts- Benepole and Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border before it reaches Kolkata. 

5) Badhan Express covers a distance of 172 km in 4 hours 50 minutes with an average speed of 36 km/hr.

6) The train which is available on Thursdays, will depart from Khulna station at 01:20 pm to arrives in Kolkata at 06:10 pm.

7) The train is fully air-conditioned.

8) There is already a train connecting Kolkata and Dhaka - 'Maitree Express'. The train runs six days a week from each side. There are two halts for immigration checking with one at Dorshona in Bangladesh and one at Gede in India.

9) Speaking on the occasion, PM Narendra Modi said, "I congratulate the people of the two countries on this auspicious occasion. Our ties of friendship got more strengthened today.". Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina said, “Today is a great day for relations between the two countries with the inauguration of the train services and the two bridges. This train service is a dream come true for people on both sides of the border.” 

10) The dignitaries also inaugurated the International Passenger Rail Terminal, End-to-End Immigration and Customs Clearance Facilities at Kolkata station.

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