Moitree Express-2 on a test trip to Kolkata

The new passenger train Moitree Express-2 reached Benapole from Khulna on a test run to Kolkata today.

Railway Minister Mujibul Haque Fisheries and Livestock Minister Sayedul Haque will officially inaugurate the service at Beanpole rail station.

However, the train is scheduled to run regularly on Khulna–Kolkata route from Pahela Baishakh.

The train reached Benapole at 11:02am, reports our beanpole correspondent from the spot.

“The train with five compartments and an engine left Khulna Rail Station at 8:15am,” Kazi Amirul Islam, station master of Khulna Rail Station, told The Daily Star.

No general passenger was boarded on the train but local politicians and several railway officials took the voyage. The train will begin its return journey from Kolkata tomorrow at 8:05am.

People from all walks of life were gathered at the station and took selfies with the train which was decorated with flowers and colourful banners.

The train will be operated through Benapole from the Bangladesh side and Petrapole from the Indian side.

Primarily, the train will make its trip once a week. The number of trip would increase later.

The Maitree Express-2 is set to be more comfortable from Pahela Baisakh as all the compartments will be fully air conditioned, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

Besides, it will have improved coaches comprising four first-class AC coaches and as many AC chair cars, Indian Railway Ministry officials told The Daily Star today.

The announcement of the facilities are likely to be contained in the joint statements of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi after their talks later in the day today, the Railway Ministry officials said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a four-day official visit to India. During her stay there, agreements in different areas, including the railway sector, are expected to be signed.

Source: thedailystar