DHAKA: Maitree Express will leave Dhaka and Kolkata thrice a week on the route from now on aimed at meeting up the increasing demand of travelers.

Ministry of Railways has issued a press release on Saturday. The first train will leave Dhaka on Monday as per new schedule.

At present, the Indian train comes to Dhaka on Tuesday and leaves for Kolkata on Wednesday while the Bangladesh train starts for Kolkata on Friday and return the next day.

According to new schedule, the 13110 Maitree Express will start from Dhaka every Monday and Wednesday instead of only Wednesday.

The 13109 Maitree Express will leave Kolkata every Tuesday and Sunday instead of only Tuesday.

In addition to this, the 13108 Maitree Express will leave from Kolkata every Saturday and the 13107 Maitree Express will start from Dhaka every Friday.

Railway Minister M Mujibul Haque is expected to inaugurate the first train of the new schedule at Dhaka Cantonment Railway Station at 7:30am on Monday.

Sources said Bangladesh and Indian Railways held a meeting at Kolkalta from October 26 to 27 where both sides agreed to add the new trip on the route.

The Maitree Express on Dhaka-Kolkata route was introduced in 2008.

Bangladesh and India, on April 10, 2008, signed a bilateral agreement to run a passenger train--Maitree Express--between Kolkata and Dhaka.

BDST: 1605 HRS, JAN 03, 2015