A major boost for Northeast connectivity: The iconic Maitri bus service between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh is back online after 18 long months. Monday’s inaugural run from Kolkata reached Agartala Tuesday afternoon, passing through Dhaka without a hitch.
Warm receptions awaited at the bustling Agartala-Akhaura border post. Key figures including Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and TRTC’s Samar Roy joined officials in marking the occasion.
‘Fantastic news for travelers,’ Chowdhury declared. He linked the revival to Bangladesh’s political transition, predicting deeper bilateral bonds. The service embodies the goodwill that fuels India-Bangladesh progress, he added.
Upcoming Agartala-Dhaka services will complement the route. With tri-weekly departures on 35-seat luxury coaches, expect seamless links between West Bengal and Tripura.
Pandemic lockdowns first idled the buses, with a short relaunch in mid-2022 derailed by a fatal crash and subsequent attacks in Bangladesh. Political turmoil peaking in Sheikh Hasina’s ouster kept services grounded until now.
Signs of stability in the neighboring country encouraged operators to hit the road again. Beyond convenience, the shortcut route—trimming 1,030 km off the Guwahati detour—promises economic ripple effects.
Ranking just behind Petrapole in cross-border trade volume, Agartala-Akhaura stands as a gateway for commerce. This restart signals brighter days for regional integration and tourism.