Bandhan Express
 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | AC Express |
| First service | 9 November 2017 |
| Current operator(s) | Eastern Railway zone |
| Route | |
| Termini | Kolkata (KOAA) Khulna (KLNB) |
| Stops | 2 |
| Distance travelled | 172 km (107 mi) |
| Average journey time | 4 hrs |
| Service frequency | Weekly |
| Train number(s) | 13129/13130 |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | AC First Class and AC Chair Car |
| Seating arrangements | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | Yes |
| Catering facilities | No |
| Entertainment facilities | No |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) |
The Bandhan Express is an international passenger train which runs between the Indian city of Kolkata and the Bangladeshi city of Khulna. It is the 2nd modern train link between the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh. It was initially referred to as the Maitree Express II.
Route
The route recreates the previous Barisal Express route. The train starts at Kolkata railway station on the Indian side, stopping at Dum Dum and Bangaon before reaching the Indian border at Petrapole. The train then crosses to Benapole on the Bangladesh side, going through Jhikargachha & Jashore, before reaching Khulna railway station.[1][2]
History
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee flagged off the Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express through video conference from Kolkata on 9 November 2017.[3] Immigration process is done at Kolkata, even though the visa is to be collected from the Indian High Commission beforehand. Suitable and correct Khulna passengers will be able to collect the ticket in the counters at Khulna Station with the papers.
Naming
After Kolkata-Dhaka, it was proposed to name India-Bangladesh Second Maitri Train on Calcutta-Khulna route as 'Sonartari'.[4] But the same name is used in the railways of both countries and hence was excluded. Then the names Sampritee and Bandhan were offered.[citation needed] The bonding name was then unanimously accepted.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ "Maitree Express-II chugged across India, Bangladesh border amid cheers, applause". Indo-Asian News Service. Firstpost. 8 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
- ^ "Sheikh Hasina visit: Maitree Express to be made fully AC, new passenger service to be announced". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
- ^ "Prime Minister of India & Prime Minister of Bangladesh Jointly along with Chief Minister, West Bengal Flag off New Cross-Border Train between India & Bangladesh, "Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express" from Kolkata through Video Confencing". Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Railways. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "Prime Minister of India & Prime Minister of Bangladesh Jointly along with Chief Minister, West Bengal Flag off New Cross-Border Train between India & Bangladesh, "Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express" from Kolkata through Video Confencing". Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Railways. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
