The Agartala-Kolkata Bus service via Dhaka resumed from Friday. Tourism Minister and Transport department of Tripura Pranajit Singha Roy formally flagged of the ‘Royal Moitree International Bus Service’ connecting Agartala with Kolkata via Dhaka at India-Bangladesh border, Akhaura.
Later, taking to social media, the Tourism Minister wrote, “Flagged off Agartala-Kolkata via Dhaka Bus service at Integrated Check Post, Akhaura, Agartala.
Glad that post pandemic bus services has been resumed. I urge people to avail the services. This shall definitely strengthen ties between India and Bangladesh. It will also boost trade and tourism.”
The Minister also said the 40-seater Bus service will become a major boost, particularly at a time when road and rail connectivity are affected owing natural calamities. He pointed out, the Bus will take 19 hours to reach Kolkata and 4 hours to Dhaka from Agartala.
He exuded hope that more passengers would avail of the opportunity. On the first day after resuming the service, 28 passengers – 22 Indian and 6 Bangladeshi – boarded the Bus today.
Among others, Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Agartala, Arif Mohammad, First secretary Rezaul Haque, Mayor of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), Dipak Majumder and other dignitaries were present in the inaugural programme.
Arif Mohammad said after a lot of efforts, the Bus service has been resumed. The service the symbol of ‘Maitree’ (friendship) – that is why, we call it Maitree Bus. He extended gratitude to the Bangladesh Government and India Government as well as other stakeholders for making it possible.
Speaking on the occasion, dignitaries focused cordial bi-relationships between Tripura or for that matter India and Bangladesh. All exuded confidence that the Bus service would further enhance the relationships.