After an 18-month suspension, the Agartala–Kolkata international bus service via Dhaka has resumed operations.
On Saturday, a bus left Agartala in Tripura for Dhaka on a trial basis.
Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury was present at the border to welcome the passengers.
The Agartala–Kolkata ‘Maitree’ and ‘Shyamoli’ bus services via Dhaka, launched in 2001 under a bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh, had remained suspended since September 2024.
The services were halted following a sharp decline in passenger numbers due to political instability in Bangladesh, security concerns and complications related to visa processing.
The transport minister told journalists, “Following the formation of the new government in Bangladesh, the situation has stabilised. The visa process has also become easier. Therefore, it has been possible to resume the bus service.”
He added that the route is not merely a mode of transport but an effective bridge strengthening people-to-people contact, cultural exchange and commercial ties between the two countries. Through mutual cooperation, Bangladesh-India relations can be further consolidated and avenues for development expanded.
Manoranjan Debnath, an official of the international bus operators’ association, told the news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) that fresh permission was not required to restart the service, as the existing bilateral agreement remains in force. Trial operations will continue for two to three days. If the situation remains stable, there are plans to operate regular services three days a week.
The geographical significance of the route is also considerable. Travelling by train from Agartala to Kolkata via Guwahati requires covering nearly 1,500 kilometres. By contrast, travelling by bus via Dhaka reduces the distance to around 500 kilometres, saving both time and cost.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha welcomed the trial run, saying the resumption of the service would have a positive impact on tourism, trade and people-to-people connectivity. If the trial phase proves successful, the Agartala–Dhaka–Kolkata corridor is expected to re-establish itself as an important channel of regional connectivity in eastern India, he added.
