Date:16/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/16/stories/2007051603101600.htm

National

Kolkata-Dhaka rail service likely by June

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: There is a possibility of passenger railway service between India and Bangladesh linking Kolkata with Dhaka beginning in June, Inspector-General, Railways, A K Sarkar, said here on Tuesday.

Issues relating to establishing the service between the city and Joydebpur, 35 km from Dhaka, were discussed at a meeting between Mr. Sarkar and senior State officials. .

The distance between Kolkata and Joydebpur is about 330 km with nearly 170 km falling within India.

Encroachments along the tracks will need to be removed, the Chief Secretary, A. K. Deb said.

What is required is the setting up of the necessary infrastructure for the services to commence, the State's Home Secretary, Prasad Ranjan Roy, who attended the meeting added.