Introduction of New Train between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri
Introduction of New Train between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri
New passenger train service between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri set to start from 26th March 2025| NJP to Dhaka Train Route
A new passenger train service between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri is set to start from 26th of March marking the 50th Anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh. According to an official release by the Bangladesh Rail Ministry, the direct train between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri will run through the Chilahati – Haldibari cross border rail route. However, other details like the schedule of the train, fair and immigration and its name will be decided later through discussion between the officials of the two countries.
There are two passenger trains currently running between Bangladesh and India. The Maitree Express runs between Dhaka and Kolkata and Bandhan Express links Khulna with Kolkata.
At present, five rail routes connect Bangladesh and India namely Petrapole – Benapole, Gede – Darshana, Singhabad – Rohanpur Radhikapur – Birol and Haldibari – Chilahati.
The Haldibari – Chilahati train route was opened in December last year for the operation of the goods train after a gap of 55 years during the virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The passenger train will also run on the same route.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are expected to flag off the new passenger train on the occasion of the Birth Centenary Celebration of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and 50 years of Liberation of Bangladesh on this day.
Here’s a polished introduction to the new cross-border train linking Dhaka (Bangladesh) and New Jalpaiguri (India):
Contents
🚆 1. Mitali Express: The New Dhaka – New Jalpaiguri Service
- The Mitali Express is the third modern passenger train connecting India and Bangladesh, inaugurated jointly by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina on March 27, 2025
- It connects Dhaka Cantonment in Bangladesh with New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in North Bengal, India, via Chilahati–Haldibari border crossing
🗓️ 2. Schedule & Frequency
- Bi‑weekly operation:
- NJP → Dhaka: departs Sunday & Wednesday around **11:45 AM IST.
- Dhaka → NJP: departs Monday & Thursday around 9:50 PM BST
- Journey duration is approximately 9–10 hours with no commercial intermediate stops (only technical halts at Haldibari and Chilahati)
🏷️ 3. Fare & Coach Classes
- Classes include:
- AC First (cabin)
- AC Chair Car
- AC Sleeper/Berth
- Example fares (in Taka, Bangladesh currency):
- AC Chair: Tk 2,705
- AC Seat: Tk 3,805
- AC Berth: Tk 4,905 (includes Tk 500 travel tax)
📦 4. Coach & Service Details
- Trains use pure LHB rakes with 10 coaches: 4 AC cabin, 4 AC chairs, and 2 generator/luggage vans
- Operated jointly by Bangladesh Railway and Indian Railways (Northeast Frontier), with diesel locomotives (awaiting full electrification)
❗ 5. Operational Status Update
- As of the most recent updates, service was suspended indefinitely from July 19, 2025, due to political unrest in Bangladesh
🧾 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Train Name | Mitali Express |
| Route | Dhaka Cantonment ↔ New Jalpaiguri (via Chilahati–Haldibari) |
| Frequency | Twice weekly (NJP: Sun/Wed; Dhaka: Mon/Thu) |
| Distance | ~513 km total (India + Bangladesh segment) |
| Duration | ~9–10 hours (no commercial stops) |
| Classes | AC Cabin, AC Chair Car, AC Sleeper |
| Fare Example | Tk 2,705 (Chair), Tk 3,805 (Seat), Tk 4,905 (Berth) |
| Current Status | Suspended from July 2025 onwards |
✅ Final Notes
- The Mitali Express marks a historic step in restoring rail connectivity through the Haldibari–Chilahati corridor after decades of closure.
- Despite its promise, current operations remain suspended—persons planning to travel across this route should check railway advisories before making arrangements.
- Tickets aren’t available online for cross-border travel—you need to purchase them in person at NJP (India) or Dhaka Kamalapur (Bangladesh) PRS counters
Would you like help finding alternative travel options (e.g. Maitree Express, Bandhan Express, road–bus link), or status of gauge/electrification along this route?