Kolkata–Khulna Rail Link
The Kolkata–Khulna rail link is a key cross-border railway connection between India and Bangladesh. It strengthens transport connectivity between eastern India and southwestern Bangladesh and forms part of broader efforts to restore and modernise pre-Partition rail routes.
Background
Before 1947, the railway network of undivided India seamlessly connected present-day West Bengal with Khulna (now in Bangladesh). After Partition, many of these routes were disrupted. In recent years, India and Bangladesh have revived several historic rail corridors to enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact.
The Kolkata–Khulna route operates through the Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh) border, which is also the busiest land port between the two countries.
Route and Connectivity
- Connects Kolkata in West Bengal with Khulna in southwestern Bangladesh
- Operates primarily through the Petrapole–Benapole rail corridor
- Links to Bangladesh’s internal rail network, including routes towards Dhaka and Mongla Port
This link complements other cross-border railway connections such as:
- Kolkata–Dhaka (Maitree Express)
- Agartala–Akhaura rail link
- Khulna–Mongla Port rail line
Significance
1. Trade Facilitation
The rail link enhances cargo movement between the two countries, reducing transportation costs and transit time. It strengthens supply chains and improves access to ports such as Mongla Port.
2. Regional Integration
It supports sub-regional cooperation under frameworks like BIMSTEC and BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal). Improved rail connectivity promotes economic integration in eastern South Asia.
3. People-to-People Contact
Passenger services improve mobility for tourism, medical travel, business visits, and family exchanges between the two countries.
4. Neighborhood First Policy
The project aligns with India’s Neighborhood First policy and Act East policy, reinforcing strategic and developmental cooperation with Bangladesh.
Strategic Importance
- Enhances connectivity to India’s North-East through Bangladesh territory
- Strengthens India–Bangladesh economic interdependence
- Supports broader connectivity corridors linking South Asia with Southeast Asia
Broader Context of India–Bangladesh Rail Cooperation
In recent years, multiple railway links have been restored or developed, including:
- Akhaura–Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link
- Khulna–Mongla Port Rail Line
- Maitree and Bandhan Express passenger services
These initiatives collectively aim to revive historical connectivity, promote economic development, and deepen bilateral relations.
The Kolkata–Khulna rail link is thus an important component of India–Bangladesh infrastructure diplomacy and regional connectivity strategy.
Agartala–Akhaura Rail Link
The Agartala–Akhaura rail link is a strategic cross-border railway project connecting Agartala (Tripura, India) with Akhaura (Bangladesh). It significantly improves connectivity between India’s North-East and mainland India through Bangladesh.
Background
After the Partition of 1947, many railway links between India and present-day Bangladesh were disrupted. The Agartala–Akhaura rail link is part of efforts to restore historical connectivity and enhance regional integration.
The project was implemented under India’s grant assistance to Bangladesh and forms a crucial element of bilateral infrastructure cooperation.
Route and Technical Details
- Total length: Approximately 12.24 km
- Bangladesh portion: About 6.78 km (Dual Gauge)
- Indian portion (Tripura): About 5.46 km
- Connects Agartala railway station to Bangladesh’s rail network at Akhaura junction
- Dual gauge system allows compatibility with both metre gauge and broad gauge trains in Bangladesh
Akhaura is an important railway junction in Bangladesh, connected to Dhaka and Chattogram (Chittagong).
Significance
1. Reduced Distance and Time
Earlier, rail connectivity from Agartala to Kolkata required a long detour through Assam and Siliguri.
The new link drastically reduces travel distance and time by allowing access through Bangladesh.
2. Boost to North-East Connectivity
- Provides an alternative route for goods and passenger traffic
- Strengthens integration of the North-East with the rest of India
- Reduces logistical costs
3. Trade and Economic Growth
- Enhances cross-border trade
- Facilitates access to Bangladeshi ports such as Chattogram and Mongla
- Promotes regional supply chain efficiency
4. Strategic Importance
- Supports India’s “Act East Policy”
- Strengthens India–Bangladesh cooperation
- Enhances sub-regional connectivity under BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal)
Broader India–Bangladesh Rail Cooperation
The Agartala–Akhaura link complements other connectivity projects such as:
- Kolkata–Khulna rail link
- Khulna–Mongla Port rail line
- Maitree Express (Kolkata–Dhaka)
- Bandhan Express (Kolkata–Khulna)
Together, these projects aim to restore pre-Partition railway routes and deepen economic and strategic ties.
Overall Importance
The Agartala–Akhaura rail link is not merely a transport project; it represents:
- Regional economic integration
- Strategic connectivity for India’s North-East
- Strengthened bilateral diplomacy
- Infrastructure-led neighbourhood cooperation
It stands as a key milestone in India–Bangladesh infrastructure collaboration and regional connectivity planning.
