Agartala: Passenger bus services between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka resumed on Tuesday after a suspension of nearly two years due to instability in Bangladesh.
The revival marks an important milestone in restoring people-to-people connectivity and enhancing ties between India and its eastern neighbour.
Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury welcomed passengers at the Akhaura border, accompanied by TRTC’s Acting Chairman Samar Roy, Managing Director Hemanta Debbarma, and other officials.
As per official reports, a bus carrying nine passengers from Dhaka entered India via the Akhaura Integrated Check Post in Agartala, where it was warmly received by the Minister.
Describing the occasion as a “moment of shared joy”, Chowdhury emphasised that the resumption reflects the renewed stability in Bangladesh following the formation of a new government there.
“It is a bridge of communication, culture, and commerce between the people of India and Bangladesh. Such initiatives strengthen friendship and pave the way for development,” he said.
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The Agartala-Kolkata Maitree and Shyamoli bus services were first launched in 2001 to strengthen connectivity between India and Bangladesh. However, operations were halted in September 2024 amid political unrest in Bangladesh, with authorities citing passenger safety concerns.
However, with law and order reportedly improving and diplomatic engagement getting restored, trial runs of the service were conducted, paving way for full-fledged operations.
Chowdhury expressed hope that the revived route would strengthen bilateral relations and boost trade, tourism, business, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
He added, “India has always considered Bangladesh as a close relative and neighbor. Any unrest there causes concern here as well. With the new government in place, relations have returned to a positive trajectory.”
Tripura, which shares an 856-kilometre international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by it on three sides, sees constant cross-border movement for trade, travel and cultural exchange.
The Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post remains one of the busiest trade gateways between the two nations, second only to the Petrapole-Benapole ICP.
