PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina, Mamata Banerjee flag off Kolkata-Khulna passenger train

A new passenger train, ‘Bandhan Express’, to run between Kolkata and Bangladesh’s southwestern industrial city Khulna was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee through video conference on Thursday.  

Bandhan Express, a fully air-conditioned weekly passenger train, will run between the two cities on Thursday.  Modi, Hasina and Banerjee also inaugurated two bridges over river Meghna and river Titas in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Modi during the inaugural run of the train said, “The ties of friendship between India and Bangladesh will further strengthen.”

Modi speaking in Bengali said, “Aaj ei shubho uplokkhe dui desh bashider amar abhinandan janai. Aaj amader moitreyee, bandhon aro sudriro holo’ (Today I congratulate people of both the countries on this auspicious occasion. Our ties of friendship got more strengthened today.)

Hasina said, “The train service is a dream come true for people on both sides of the border. Relations between India and Bangladesh will strengthen with inauguration of the train and bridges.”

While Bengal chief minister described the launch as a remarkable moment for India and Bangladesh.