PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina, Mamata Banerjee inaugurate Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express

The Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express was flagged off from Kolkata station by unveiling e-plaque. 

The trio also inaugurated Second Bharirab and Titas Railway Bridges in Bangladesh and  International Rail Passenger Terminus with End-to-End Immigration and Customs Clearance Facilities for the passengers of both Maitree Express and Bandhan Express at Kolkata station.

Addressing on the occasion, PM Modi said that  close connection and understanding between two countries requires connectivity between the people across the border.

"Maitree Express and Bandhan Express trains will bring more connectivity between India and Bangladesh and strengthen further bonding," he said.

The Prime Minister added that it is a great privilege for India to become the most trusted partner of Bangladesh for execution and completion of various developmental projects in that country.

Seikh Hasina expressed hope for more such initiatives for increasing rail link and connectivity between the two countries.

She also expressed happiness concern about convenience of the passengers of Maitree and Bandhan Express trains with reduced journey time after introduction of International Passenger Rail Terminus with End-to-End Immigration and Customs Clearance Facilities.

Mamata Banerjee said that this new Passenger Train link between Kolkata and Khulna will strengthen the relationship between two countries.

She expressed happiness on introduction of the new train between the two countries & recollected the traditional bonding with Bangladesh.
          
After the introduction of  ‘Maitree Express’ between Kolkata and Dhaka Cantonment stations in April, 2008, the Governments of India and Bangladesh have further decided to run another passenger train viz. Bandhan Express between Kolkata and Khulna through Petrapole and Benapole route to cater to the demands of the people of both the countries for more connectivity.

The Bandhan Express will be a weekly service on every Thursday.

The Kolkata - Khulna Bandhan Express (13129 Up) will depart from Kolkata at 07.10 hrs.(IST) and will arrive at Khulna at 12:30 hrs.(BST) on the return journey the Khulna-Kolkata Bandhan Express ( 13130 Down) will depart from Khulna at 13.30 hrs. (BST) and arrive at Kolkata at 18.10 hrs.(IST) on the same day.The immigration and Customs checks will take place at Kolkata International Passenger Terminal for the Indian side and at Benapol border station for Bangladesh side.

The second Bhairab Bridge and Titas Bridge in Bangladesh built with the assistance of Government of India are two of the most important projects in Bangladesh for infrastructure and rolling stock development.

The one kilometer long second Bhairab Railway Bridge was built over the mighty Meghna river at a cost of around USD 75 million by Indian contractors and consultants.

Similarly, the Titas bridge over river Titas in Eastern Bangladesh was built at a cost of around USD 25 million. Both these bridges are on the main Chittagong to Dhaka Trunk Rail Line which will help in faster movement of both passenger and freight traffic trains of Bangladesh.

Ministry of Railways, with the coordination of Department of Immigration & Customs has opened an International Rail Passenger Terminus at Kolkata station with proper infrastructure and facilities of end-to-end immigration to reduce the en-route journey time of the passengers of the existing Kolkata – Dhaka Cantt. Maitree Express and newly introduced Kolkata – Khulna Bandhan Express,. With this new facility at Kolkata Terminal, the passengers of Maitree Express and Bandhan Express will be immensely benefitted.

The journey time of Maitree Express from Kolkata to Dhaka will be 08 hrs.25mts.  and from Dhaka to Kolkata will be 08 hrs.15mts.   i.e. a reduction of about 2 hours. It will depart from Kolkata at 07.10 hrs.(IST) (on Mon, Tue, Fri & Sat) and arrive at Dhaka at 16.05 hrs.(BST) instead of earlier arrival at Dhaka at 18.05 hrs.(BST). On the return journey it will depart from Dhaka at 08.15 hrs.(BST) (on Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun)  instead of earlier departure from Dhaka at 08.10 hrs. (BST) and arrive at Kolkata at 16.00 hrs.(IST) instead of earlier arrival at Kolkata at 18.10 hrs.(IST).

Sudip Bandyopadhya, MP & Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, Mala Saha, MLA, Harindra Rao, General Manager, Eastern Railway, Toufique Hassan, Dy. High Commissioner, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Kolkata were present on the occasion at Kolkata station and all of them addressed the gathering.