Mitali Express, the third commuter train between Bangladesh and neighbouring India, began its operation on Wednesday.

Bangladesh Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon and Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the new train service between Dhaka and Bengal's New Jalpaiguri at a virtual programme.

This is the third train service between the two countries, aimed at not only easing the rail communication but also strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries, according to the two ministers.

Mitali Express will begin its journey from New Jalpaiguri station and reach Dhaka Cantonment station via Haldibari (India) and Chilahati (Bangladesh).

"A proposal will be made to the authorities concerned to increase the frequency of the train to five days a week instead of two days as it is an important route for both tourists and students," said Bangladesh Railway Minister Sujon, who is currently in India.

“If we use the experience of India in our rail sector, then both the countries will benefit and our historical ties will be strengthened,” he added.

Starting its journey from New Jalpaiguri around 11.45am, the train is scheduled to reach Dhaka Cantonment station around 22.30pm while it will again leave for New Jalpaiguri around 9.59 pm and slated to reach New Jalpaiguri around 7.15am on Thursday.

Mitali Express will operate on Mondays and Thursdays from Dhaka, and on Sundays and Wednesdays from India. Passengers will have to pay Tk 5,255 for an air-conditioned berth, Tk 3,420 for an AC seat and Tk 2,780 for an AC chair.

On May 29, services of Bandhan Express and Maitri Express between Khulna and Kolkata resumed, after a long break due to Covid.