The Barishal Express launched in 1884.[2] The train connected the Indian city of Kolkata (then Calcutta) with the city of Khulna in Bangladesh, with a link train from Rupsa to Bagerhat for connecting Barishal.[1] The train used to take 4 hours to complete the 176 kilometres (109 mi) journey. The link train used to take another 1 hrs 45 minutes to connect Bagerhat, 74 kilometres (46 mi) away from Khulna. The railway link was suspended at the outbreak of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.[1] In 1972, the route reopened for 2 years for goods train service.[2]
An agreement was signed between India and Bangladesh in July 2000 to re-establish the train link. Feasibility studies had been going on since 1994.[2] The Bandhan Express is a new train recreating this route in the 21st century.[3][4][5] The immigration checks have been moved to Calcutta train station to avoid losing hours waiting at the border.[6] New Railway line to Barishal is being constructed, the line will bifurcate at Rupsanagar from the Mongla Port railway line & then head eastward towards Jatharpur, Sakambhuj, Bagerhat & then end at Barishal.
