Railway Budget 2010-11 gives thrust to Trans-Asian Rail Network

The Railway Budget 2010-11 announced today in New Delhi by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the government’s initiative to kick start a new rail route between India and Bangladesh. High level discussions are on between the governments of the two countries to launch these services. The proposed rail route between the two countries is Akhaura in Bangladesh and Agartala in India. The new link will aim at providing a shorter rail route between West Bengal and the north-eastern region of India via Bangladesh.

Informing about the same, Banerjee stated, “We maintain good relations with our neighbours. The railway system in these countries is facing several problems due to their relatively small and isolated networks. The Trans-Asian Railway network provides an opportunity for their integration.”

The two countries had decided to restore rail services between them in April 2008 by flagging off Maitree Express between Kolkata and Dhaka after 43 years. This initiated the movement of tourist and passenger traffic between India and Bangladesh especially in the ‘Visiting Friends and Relatives’ (VFR) segment with the historical background of the two countries.