Indian
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee flagged off the
Kolkata-Dhaka Maitri Express on Monday on the occasion of
Bangla New Year. With the beginning of this train the passenger
railway service has started again between two neighbouring
countries after a gap of 43 years. Moitree Express would prove
a bridge to connect the entire Bengal. It is noticeable that
the history, culture and language of West Bengal and Bangladesh
is same. The initiative of connecting both through railway
is welcome. Citizens from both sides had been demanding regular
railway service for long. Prior to partition railway services
were available from Kolkata to Goland and via Narayanganj
it connected Dhaka. During partition railway services were
available from Sialdah to Eastern Pakistan for different places.
These services were maintained till 1965. Later the railway
services for East Pakistan and after forming Bangladesh were
closed. Once again through Moitree Express the entire Bengal
has been connected. However, with the initiative of Indian
and Bangladeshi governments, railway goods train services
were started between both the countries in 1972 but later
this service had to be closed. Again in the year 2000, with
the beginning of railway contact between Petra Pol- Beenmol
the goods train services were started. Now, after the commencement
of passenger railway service, the public of both the countries
would avail to and fro facilities and it would deepen the
cultural and social relations. India should consider over
extending its railway services via Dhaka to Myanmar. Earlier,
the railway services were available up to Myanmar. At present
Myanmar seems far away because it is very long route as it
is not direct. With the opening of Dhaka route the distance
would not only shorten but the entire image of Indian sub-continent
would witness a change for the good. If this railway service
is connected up to Myanmar then it would be better. In many
aspects Bangladesh would also become a partner with India
for its progress.
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