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Guwahati: Ensuring better direct connectivity between Northeast India and Bangladesh, the Mitali Express train connecting both the neighbouring countries was flagged off on June 1. The train is also projected to spur socio-economic development between the two nations by enabling the cross-border movement of goods and people and promoting regional commercial growth.
This is the third passenger rail service established between the two countries.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and Md. Nurul Islam Sujan, Minister of Railways, Government of Bangladesh, virtually flagged off the train from the Railway Board, New Delhi, whereas Dr. Jayanta Roy, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and Dr. Sankar Ghosh, Member of Legislative Assembly (West Bengal), flagged off the train from New Jalpaiguri in the presence of senior railway officials.
"This new train would provide India and Bangladesh's tourism sectors a much-needed boost. It also provides passengers with a dependable, inexpensive, and comfortable form of transportation, making India and Bangladesh more accessible "Sabyasachi De, Northeast Frontier Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer stated.
CCTV cameras and the Border Security Force (BSF) will keep a watchful eye on the train. BSF would board the train at Haldibari station and hand it over to Bangladesh at the Zero line
Train No. 13131 Dhaka Cantonment - New Jalpaiguri Mitali Express will also run twice a week on Monday and Thursday beginning on June 2, 2022, leaving Dhaka Cantonment at 21:50 hours (BST) and arriving in New Jalpaiguri at 07:15 hours (IST) on Tuesday and Friday.
The train will be equipped with four AC 1st Class coaches (cabin seating/sleeper) and four AC chair cars coaches, as well as two baggage and generator cars. During the voyage from New Jalpaiguri, a total of 456 people may be accommodated. A total of 408 persons can ride on the return route from Dhaka Cantt station.
The cost from New Jalpaiguri in AC First Class is 33 US dollars, while the fare in AC Chair Car is 22 US dollars. The return ticket from Dhaka Cantt station will be 44 US dollars for AC 1st Class and 22 US dollars for AC Chair vehicle. In addition to the fare, a 5% GST will be charged. The exchange rate for US dollars will be determined by the current rate on the first day of the month of travel. On-board culinary services will be offered on demand; however, no passengers will be provided with linen.
Tickets for this International train may be purchased at the foreign PRS desks at New Jalpaiguri and Kolkata Railway Stations.
