Bangladesh-India Rail Connectivity Push: Agartala-Akhaura, Chittagong Port Routes in Focus
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Dhaka/Agartala
- Sep 10, 2026
- 234
A fresh push to restore and expand Bangladesh-India cross-border connectivity could open new opportunities for Tripura, Assam and the wider Northeast India region, with railway links, road corridors and access to Chittagong Port emerging as key areas of cooperation.
The renewed initiative is expected to strengthen trade, tourism, passenger movement and regional logistics by improving transport links between Bangladesh and India's northeastern states.
Among the routes receiving renewed attention are the Agartala-Akhaura railway connection, the Kulaura-Shahbazpur-Mahisasan rail corridor and the Chilahati-Haldibari railway route.
The developments come as railway authorities from India and Bangladesh discuss the restoration of cross-border rail services and wider connectivity arrangements. Recent reports indicate that both countries are considering the resumption of the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express.
Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link Could Strengthen Tripura Connectivity
The Agartala-Akhaura rail link is particularly significant for Tripura and India's Northeast.
The cross-border railway project connects Agartala in Tripura with Akhaura in Bangladesh, an important railway junction linked to Bangladesh's wider rail network.
The 12.24-km project comprises 5.46 km in Tripura and 6.78 km in Bangladesh and was inaugurated in November 2023.
Greater utilisation of this corridor could improve the movement of passengers and cargo between Tripura and Bangladesh while strengthening the Northeast's access to regional trade routes.
For Tripura, improved connectivity with Bangladesh could also enhance access to Chittagong Port, creating additional possibilities for freight movement and logistics.
Chittagong Port Could Become a Major Gateway for Northeast India
The proposed expansion of transit connectivity could give Chittagong Port greater importance in the movement of goods to India's northeastern states.
Tripura's geographical position makes Bangladesh an important potential transit partner. Better integration of railways, highways, ports and border infrastructure could shorten transportation routes and reduce logistical barriers for businesses in the Northeast.
Earlier Indian government documents have highlighted the strategic importance of Chittagong Port for Tripura and the wider Northeast, particularly because of its proximity to the state's southern border.
A more efficient multimodal network involving Chittagong Port, Tripura and Assam could therefore create new opportunities in freight transportation, warehousing, tourism and cross-border commerce.
Kulaura-Shahbazpur-Mahisasan Route Draws Attention
The proposed revival of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur-Mahisasan railway corridor could provide another important connectivity channel between Bangladesh and Assam.
Restoring the long-inactive route could improve railway access between the Sylhet region of Bangladesh and India's northeastern railway network.
Such a development would not only improve passenger transportation but could also stimulate economic activity around border areas through increased movement of goods, services and people.
Feni River Bridge Could Boost India-Bangladesh Trade
Road connectivity is also expected to play an important role in the emerging regional transport network.
The Friendship Bridge over the Feni River has the potential to strengthen the connection between Bangladesh and Tripura. Better coordination between the bridge, border facilities, highways and port infrastructure could facilitate cargo movement from Chittagong towards Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam and other parts of Northeast India.
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For Bangladesh, increased transit traffic could create economic opportunities in logistics, transportation, warehousing and related services.
For India's Northeast, meanwhile, improved access to Bangladeshi ports could provide an additional maritime gateway beyond traditional routes through mainland India.
Maitree Express Resumption Raises New Hope
The possible return of cross-border passenger trains has added another important dimension to the connectivity push.
The Maitree Express, which links Dhaka and Kolkata, has remained suspended since 2024. Recent discussions between Indian and Bangladeshi railway authorities have raised expectations that cross-border passenger services could resume.
Reports from September 2026 indicate that the two countries are working toward restoring the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express, potentially by October.
The restoration of these services would be significant for passengers, tourists, business travellers and families separated by the international border.
New Connectivity Corridor Could Benefit Tripura and Northeast India
The combined development of railway, road and port connectivity could gradually create a broader Bangladesh-Tripura-Assam transport and logistics corridor.
For Tripura, the strategic benefits could include improved access to Bangladeshi markets and ports, faster movement of goods and stronger regional trade links.
For Bangladesh, expanded transit activity could generate additional economic opportunities while strengthening its position as a key connectivity partner for India's Northeast.
The Agartala-Akhaura rail link, Chittagong Port access, Feni River connectivity and the possible restoration of cross-border passenger trains together point towards a potentially important new phase in India-Bangladesh regional connectivity.
If these initiatives move ahead through coordinated infrastructure development and bilateral agreements, they could transform the movement of people and goods between Bangladesh and Northeast India while giving Tripura a more prominent role in regional trade and transit.
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