Maitree Express Dhaka–Kolkata Train: Status, Schedule, and Alternatives (2026)
Suspended since July 2024 — current status, what happened, and how to travel instead.
- Maitree Express: suspended since 19 July 2024 — not operating as of June 2026
- Bandhan Express (Kolkata–Khulna): also suspended
- Mitali Express (Dhaka–NJP): also suspended
- No confirmed resumption date for any BD–India train service
- Alternative: flights Dhaka to Kolkata (~2 hours, ৳8,000–18,000 return)
- Alternative: road via Benapole–Petrapole (~6–8 hours)
Current operational status (suspended since 19 July 2024)
The Maitree Express was suspended on 19 July 2024 during the Bangladesh government transition and has not resumed operations. Both the Bangladesh Railways and Indian Railways have made no confirmed announcement about a resumption date as of June 2026. This page will be updated immediately when service resumes.
Pre-suspension schedule and fares (for reference)
| Route | Frequency (pre-suspension) | Journey time | Approx. fare (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka Cantonment → Kolkata Chitpur | 2x per week | ~10–12 hours | ৳2,000–4,000 |
| Kolkata Chitpur → Dhaka Cantonment | 2x per week | ~10–12 hours | INR 1,500–3,000 |
Pre-suspension reference only. Fares and schedule may change when/if service resumes.
Why it was suspended
The Maitree Express suspension coincided with the government transition in Bangladesh in July–August 2024, during which bilateral transport links were affected. The train service was halted along with the Bandhan Express and Mitali Express as diplomatic and operational normalisation continued into 2025 and 2026.
When service may resume
As of June 2026, no official timeline has been released. The phased restoration of visa services since February 2026 suggests improving bilateral relations, but train service resumption requires separate operational agreements between Bangladesh Railways, Indian Railways, and both governments. Check India–Bangladesh news for updates.
Current alternatives
By air: Biman Bangladesh, IndiGo, US-Bangla, and SpiceJet fly Dhaka to Kolkata daily. Journey ~2 hours. Return fares ৳8,000–18,000. See flights guide.
By road via Benapole–Petrapole: AC bus from Dhaka. Journey ~6–8 hours total including border crossing. Mandatory online arrival form required. See crossing guide.
When will Maitree Express resume?
No confirmed resumption date as of June 2026. The train has been suspended since 19 July 2024. Both Bandhan Express and Mitali Express are also suspended.
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AGB Content Verification
- ✓ Fact-checked: 2026-06-05
- ✓ Next update: 2026-07-05
- ✓ Sources: railway.gov.bd