With reference to the proposed rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh, consider the following statements: 1. The Maitree, Mitali, and Bandhan Express are cross-border trains between India and Bangladesh. 2. The Maitree Express is proposed to operate via the Padma Bridge instead of the Jamuna Bridge. 3. A new train service is proposed to connect Rajshahi to Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Bangladesh, India Set to Resume Maitree Train by October; New Rajshahi-Kolkata Service Proposed

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims· 8 September 2026

Regional connectivity and logistics infrastructure: a key GS2 theme for India-Bangladesh relations.

Why in news

Bangladesh and India railway authorities met in Dhaka to plan the resumption of cross-border train services (Maitree, Mitali, and Bandhan Express) by October following Bangladesh's political change in August 2024.

Background

Bangladesh and India are planning to resume the Maitree, Mitali, and Bandhan Express trains. A new proposed service would connect Rajshahi to Kolkata, with the Maitree Express potentially operating via the Padma Bridge instead of the Jamuna Bridge.

Facts for Prelims

PlaceRajshahi: A city in Bangladesh proposed for a new train link to Kolkata
FactMaitree, Mitali, and Bandhan Express: Cross-border trains between India and Bangladesh
PlacePadma Bridge: Proposed route for the Maitree Express instead of the Jamuna Bridge

Prelims practice question

With reference to the proposed rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh, consider the following statements:

The Maitree, Mitali, and Bandhan Express are cross-border trains between India and Bangladesh.
The Maitree Express is proposed to operate via the Padma Bridge instead of the Jamuna Bridge.
A new train service is proposed to connect Rajshahi to Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The proposed service connects Rajshahi to Kolkata.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how the resumption of cross-border rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh serves as a catalyst for regional economic integration and logistical synergy.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Logistical efficiency: Shifting to Padma Bridge to reduce transit time and congestion
Regional connectivity: Enhancing trade corridors through integrated rail networks
Geopolitical stability: Strengthening bilateral ties through infrastructure-led cooperation

Keywords: Regional Connectivity · Bilateral Trade · Logistics Infrastructure · Cross-border Mobility

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: Times of India ↗Also: GS3 · Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)Also: GS1 · Places in news / mapping

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