Starting of Freight Trains India (Haldibari)–Bangladesh (Chilahati)
Starting of Freight Trains India (Haldibari)–Bangladesh (Chilahati)
Around 20 freight trains per month are expected to be interchanged
In a significant step to boost railway connectivity between India and Bangladesh, the Haldibari (India)-Chilahati (Bangladesh) rail link was reopened by both the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh on 17th December, 2025 for movement of passenger and goods traffic. With the joint efforts of Indian Railways and Bangladesh Railway, India and Bangladesh have started regular operation of freight trains through the restored Haldibari – Chilahati Rail Route w.e.f 1st August 2025when Indian Railways dispatched the first freight train loaded with stones from Damdim Station of Northeast Frontier Railway (India) to Bangladesh.
The distance between Haldibari Railway Station till the international border is 4.5 km, while that of Chilahati is around 7.5 km. till the ‘zero point’. As of now, five links connecting India with Bangladesh have been made operational which include Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India) Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India) – Birol (Bangladesh) with Haldibari-Chilahati forming the 5th such link.
The Haldibari – Chilahati rail link between India and the then East Pakistan was operational till 1965. This was part of the Broad Gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri during partition. Trains travelling to Assam and North Bengal continued to travel through the then East Pakistan territory even after partition. However, the war of 1965 effectively cut off all the railway links between India and the then East Pakistan.
Around 20 freight trains per month are expected to be interchanged through this rail link. The link is intended to improve freight and passenger connections between Bengal and the Assam and West Bengal regions, and will aid the growth of trade and economic development in the region.
A passenger train service, New Jalpaiguri-Dhaka- New Jalpaiguri Mitali Express was announced jointly by Indian PM and Bangladesh PM during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 27th March’21, service of which could not be started due to Covid Pandemic.
SOURCE: PIB
New passenger train service between Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri set to start from 26th March 2021 | 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.
Here’s the most accurate, up-to-date overview of the Haldibari–Chilahati rail link and the operation of freight trains between India and Bangladesh:
Contents
🚂 Haldibari–Chilahati Rail Link Revival
Background & Restoration
- The Haldibari (India) – Chilahati (Bangladesh) rail link was originally operational until 1965, before it was closed following the Indo-Pakistan War.
- It was officially reopened on 17 December 2025 during a virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Freight Operations Begin
- Regular freight train services commenced on 1 August 2025, marking the first such service in 56 years.
- The inaugural train was dispatched by Indian Railways carrying stone chips from Damdim (Northeast Frontier Railway zone) and arrived at Chilahati.
- Anticipated capacity: Up to 20 freight trains per month interchanging through this link.
📦 Trade & Commodities Transported
- Key exportable commodities from India to Bangladesh include:
- Stone chips, food grains, fresh fruits, fertilizers, onions, ginger, fly ash, clay, limestone, timber, etc.
- Similarly, importable goods from Bangladesh include food products, fertilizers and other permitted commodities.
- The route is positioned to handle regional trade growth and provide access to dry ports and inland logistics corridors.
🌍 Broader Connectivity Context
- The Haldibari–Chilahati link is now the 5th operational railway connection between India and Bangladesh, joining:
- Petrapole–Benapole
- Gede–Darshana
- Singhabad–Rohanpur
- Radhikapur–Biral
📊 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Freight Run | 1 August 2025 (from Damdim to Chilahati) |
| Frequency Intent | ~20 freight trains/month |
| Trade Cargo | Stone chips, fruits, grains, fertilizer, limestone, etc. |
| Rail Link Restored On | 17 Dec 2025 (Virtual inauguration) |
| Connectivity Note | 5th India–Bangladesh rail route |
🧭 Strategic Significance
- Re-establishes a historic cross-border corridor instrumental for regional trade expansion.
- Strengthens Northeast India’s access to international markets via Bangladesh’s ports.
- Widens the regional logistics infrastructure, promoting economic integration.
✅ Looking Ahead
Would you like more detail on:
- Upcoming passenger service plans on this route?
- Transit rules or documentation needed for freight cross-border operations?
- The possible role of this corridor in multi-modal freight systems like the upcoming Dhaka–Istanbul corridor?
I can also track updates on trial freight runs or passenger operations if you’re interested in that as well.