India to do away with multiple immigration checks on Kolkata-Dhaka train route

Come August, and there will be “end-to-end” immigration checks on the Kolkata-Dhaka bound Maitree Express.

Currently, there are two stops for immigration checking on the Kolkata-Dhaka line. One is in Gede (Nadia district of Bengal), the last Indian point; and the second is at Dorshona (the first point in Bangladesh).

But now, this will change. Immigration will be done at the two end points – Kolkata and Dhaka.

“Come August and we intend to start end-to-end immigration on the Kolkata-Dhaka rail route. The system will be like an airport – immigration once at the point of boarding and then again at the port of descent,” SN Agrawal, General Manager, South Eastern Railway said.

According to him, plans are also afoot to have fully air-conditioned coaches on the Kolkata-Dhaka route.

Khulna-Kolkata rail route

The trail run for passenger train services along the Khulna–Kolkata via Petrapole route – called Maitree Express 2 – was carried out today.

A train, with seven coaches, made an over 2 hour long journey (including immigration and customs) coming from Benapole in Bangladesh to the Kolkata station here in the city.

Commercial services along this route is expected July onwards.

“As of now the trial run was conducted from Benapole to Kolkata via Petrapole. The original Khulna-Kolkata route will be revived by July,” Agrawal said. Khulna in Bangladesh is another 2.5 hr travel from Benapole.

Interestingly, the Khulna-Kolkata route was active before Independence.

“Frequency and ticket price of Maitree Express 2 is yet to be decided,” he added.

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