Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala Bus Service Resumption: Sushanta Welcomes Cross-Border Connectivity Boost
Agartala, Feb 24: Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury today welcomed passengers of the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus at the Akhaura Integrated Check Post, marking the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus service resumption after an 18-month suspension.
Calling the move a positive step for regional cooperation, Chowdhury said development is not possible without friendship and mutual understanding. He described the Agartala–Dhaka–Kolkata and Kolkata–Dhaka–Agartala routes as strong symbols of India-Bangladesh goodwill and cross-border partnership.
“On the foundation of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding, bilateral ties grow deeper and more robust,” he said in a social media post, expressing hope for lasting peace, stability and prosperity between the two nations.
Trial Runs Begin; Full Schedule on Feb 28
Earlier, Samar Roy, Vice-Chairman of the government-run Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC), said trial trips on the Agartala–Dhaka–Kolkata route started on February 21.
He confirmed that a final timetable for regular operations will be announced on February 28 after evaluating multiple test runs.
Why the Bus Service Was Suspended
The cross-border bus services were initially halted during the Covid-19 pandemic and later resumed in June 2022. However, they were suspended again after a private bus met with an accident in Bangladesh and was subsequently attacked by a mob.
Operators also hesitated to restart operations amid unrest in Bangladesh during mid-2024, especially after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
With a new government now in place and signs of improved law and order, authorities have moved ahead with the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus service resumption.
Visa Services Resume; Security Strengthened
Sources said the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala has resumed issuing visas in select cases after earlier suspending all visa and consular services from December 23, 2025.
A senior police officer confirmed enhanced security around the mission since August last year. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Tripura State Rifles have been deployed to safeguard officials and the premises.
Strategic Importance of the Route
The Agartala–Dhaka–Kolkata and Agartala–Dhaka routes are considered vital transport corridors, offering faster and more convenient connectivity between Tripura and eastern India through Bangladeshi territory.
With regular schedules expected soon, passengers and traders alike are likely to benefit significantly from improved mobility, reduced travel time and stronger regional integration.