Maitree Express, a cross-border train, has entered the 10th year of its run between Dhaka and Kolkata today.
It was formally introduced this day in 2008, re-establishing the missing rail link between Bangladesh and India after four decades.
With the capacity of maximum 456 passengers per trip, the train is now running four days a week. So, maximum 3,648 passengers can travel weekly and 14,592 monthly.
The train has two types of seating arrangements—AC Cabin and AC Chair. Its journey covers 396 km between Dhaka and Kolkata. Starting at Dhaka Cantonment Railway Station, it ends at Kolkata Chitpoor Railway Station.
As for an AC-cabin and an AC-chair, the base fair is $30 and $20 respectively. While purchasing a ticket in Bangladesh, a passenger has to pay 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) additionally and Tk 500 as travel tax.
The introduction of the end-to-end immigration and customs procedures in November last has made the travel hassle-free and smooth.
Earlier, a passenger had to complete the immigration and customs formalities at Dorshona in Bangladesh and Gede in India.
Under the time-consuming procedure, they would have to de-board and board the train with their luggage at both of the border points.