A joint Indo-Bangla group has decided to launch a new passenger train service from November 16 next, a second step after eight years of establishing the railway communication between the two countries.
The passenger train will run between Khulna and Kolkata. The train may be named either as Bandhan Express or Sampreeti Express.
A joint intergovernmental railway group between the two countries took the decision during its three-day meeting that started on September 13 in New Delhi.
The joint group also agreed to raise the fares of Maitree Express. Both the countries launched Maitree train service on April 14, 2008.
Besides, the meeting decided to simplify the customs and immigration procedures for train service between the two countries.
The procedures will be conducted at Kolkata terminal for India and at Benapole for Bangladesh, said a senior official who attended the meeting.
Both the countries also explored the possibility of launching a container train service between Dhaka and Kolkata. Feasibility might be assessed next month for initiating the full-fledged container train service on commercial basis.
The joint group discussed the ways to facilitate transport of export-import goods through the railway.
The official said immigration and customs check of Maitree Express passengers will be done only before the departure of trains in Dhaka and Kolkata from November 03.
Bangladesh Railways additional director general (operation) Md Habibur Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation comprising representatives of the foreign ministry, National Board of Revenue and Security Service Division of the home ministry.
The official said trade and commerce between the two countries will be boosted if container train service is launched successfully.
Transport of import and export goods through container train is comparatively cheaper than that of highways and waterways. India-Bangladesh trade worth $6.6 billion is mostly carried out through land route.
Benapole is the largest land port of Bangladesh while Petrapole in India. The officials said there are different types of hazards including high cost and lengthy procedures for export and import of goods through roadways.
It is a common phenomenon that many of goods-laden trucks with import and export goods have to wait for a long time at land ports for completing customs and port procedures.
Officials said bilateral transport cost can be reduced at least by 30 per cent if goods are transported through railway containers.
The railway ministry of Bangladesh has a committee for providing this container service and the committee is expected to submit its report shortly.
Also, Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) will submit a draft standard operational procedure (SOP) for providing service within a week.
The meeting decided to hold a trial run in October this year.
The government will work to frame the rules for customs and other procedures before launching container train service.
