Dhaka, August 01 India and Bangladesh have started regular operation of freight trains through the Haldibari – Chilahati Rail Route w.e.f 1st August 2021. Indian Railways dispatched the first freight train loaded with stones from Damdim Station of Northeast Frontier Railway to Bangladesh today.
A further impetus to India-Bangladesh connectivity!
1st freight train through the Haldibari-Chilahati rail route started today. Was inaugurated by Prime Ministers of 🇮🇳 🇧🇩 @narendramodi in Dec 2020 & 5th pre-1965 rail link to become operational between the two nations. pic.twitter.com/EiXAmdw8XG— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 1, 2021
After the partition in 1947, 7 rail links were operational between India and the then East Pakistan (up to 1965). Presently, there are 4 operational rail links between India and Bangladesh. They are – Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India)–Birol (Bangladesh). The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link is one such route which was operational till 1965.
The leadership of both India and Bangladesh are committed to revive all the pre-1965 railway links between the two countries. Hence, the restoration work was undertaken by the railways of both the countries to revive this rail link.
After the restoration, this railway link between Haldibari (India) and Chilahati (Bangladesh) was jointly inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of India and of Bangladesh during the PM level virtual bilateral summit on 17.12.2020.
The Haldibari – Chilahati rail link is the 5th rail link between India and Bangladesh being made operational from 1st August 2021.
The commodities that can be exported from India to Bangladesh through this rail route include Stones and Boulders, Food Grain, Fresh Fruits, Chemical Fertilizer, Onion, Chilies, Garlic, Ginger, Fly Ash, Clay, Lime Stone, Wood & Timber etc. From Bangladesh to India all exportable commodities are permitted.
This rail link coming into operation will strengthen India-Bangladesh Rail Connectivity and bilateral trade. It will also enhance rail network accessibility to the main ports and dry ports to support the growth in regional trade and to encourage economic and social development of the region.