Lower and middle classes face consequences as Indo-Bangla train services shut for 123 days

The suspension of India-Bangladesh train services for 123 consecutive days has caused immense difficulties for the general lower and middle-income people of both countries, especially patients. Due to political turmoil in Bangladesh, the Maitree Express running between Kolkata and Dhaka was halted on July 19, and the Bandhan Express between Kolkata and Khulna was suspended from July 20. The suspension was made at the request of Bangladesh Railway.

While Bangladesh is gradually returning to stability after the unrest, with temporary resumption of bus and air services between the two countries, political tensions remain. Even during these difficult times, the interim government sent hilsa fish to Kolkata before Durga Puja.

However, even as mid-November approaches, rail services have not been restored. There has been no indication from either side about when the services will resume. The political standoff and foreign policy issues have placed the lower and middle classes in a dire situation. These people, who cannot afford air travel, are facing immense difficulties. Moreover, bus travel is extremely uncomfortable for patients.

Under normal circumstances, thousands of people from Bangladesh would travel to Kolkata by train every day for medical treatments and other purposes. With the closure of this route, they are now in a tough situation. The Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express used to run five days a week—on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—while the Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express ran twice a week, on Sunday and Thursday.

As a result, thousands of train journeys have been canceled so far, and both countries' railways have faced significant financial losses. The immigration counters at Kolkata's railway station have been idle for months, and the railway authorities are refunding the cost of tickets that were booked in advance.

Kaushik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway, India, explained that the Indian Railway Board cannot operate these trains at will. First, the trains cross the international border. Second, while the train engines are Indian property, the crew responsible for the train from the border to Kolkata or Dhaka are Bangladesh Railway staff. Therefore, these trains cannot run without joint consent.

He also pointed out that the India-Pakistan Samjhauta Express has been operated many times in the past, even during tense diplomatic situations. While the service has often been suspended and later resumed, there was always an official announcement prior to any closure or resumption. However, the situation with the India-Bangladesh Maitree Express and Bandhan Express is different. Officially, these trains are still listed as running, but in reality, they are suspended.

Kaushik Mitra further added that despite significant losses, the railway services on both sides have refunded tickets for over a hundred train journeys.