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

The fully air-conditioned ‘Bandhan Express’ will run every Thursday from both Kolkata and Khulna.

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

Inaugurate two bridges

The Prime Ministers and Ms. Banerjee also inaugurated two bridges over the Meghna and Titas rivers in Bangladesh.

Ms. Hasina said, “Today is a great day for relations between the two countries with the inauguration of the train service and the two bridges. This train service is a dream come true for people on both sides of the border.”

Ms. Banerjee described the launch as a remarkable day for both nations. “The relations between the two countries will strengthen in future,” she noted.

Immigration and Customs facilities were also inaugurated at the Kolkata station.