DHAKA: As India is eager to extend rail connectivity with Bangladesh, the issues will be given priority during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka on June 6.

Some 12 issues related to the rail connectivity are expected to be placed in the bi-lateral meeting, said sources concerned.

The sources added that India wants to extend its trade relation with the neighboring country whereas Bangladesh also sincerely wants to boost the tie maintaining its own interests.

According to Bangladesh Railway (BR) and diplomatic sources, several important issues will be focused on during Modi’s visit along with signing several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) between two neighboring countries.

Both Bangladesh and India are working to finalize those agreements and MoUs now, added the sources.

Asked about the matter, BR director general M Amzad Hossain told banglanews that the visit of Indian premier is very important. They are hopeful some issues related to rail connectivity between two countries will be fruitful and diplomatic-level talks have also been held in this regard, Amzad added.

According to BR sources, the 12 issues include-- Bangladesh’s request to India on renovation work of Saidpur Railway Workshop, Bangladesh-India container services, introducing customs and immigration facilities inside Maitree Express, launching second Maitree Express, renovation of Khulna-Mongla rail line, establishing several rail connectivity -- Biral-Radhikapur, Rahanpur-Singabad, Shahjadpur-Mahishashan, Chilahati-Chengrabandha, Akhaura-Agartala, and Feni-Belenia.

Of the issues, renovation work of Saidpur Railway Workshop will get relatively more priority during Modi’s visit. The workshop is mainly used to repair the wagons of Broad gauge and Metre gauge. Bangladesh will seek loan from India to develop and modernize the workshop, according to BR sources.

Bangladesh will also propose immigration checking at Dhaka and Kolkata instead of Darshana and Gade for the passengers of Maitree Express, said the director general.

According to Amzad, if the proposed checking points are approved the running time of Maitree Express will decrease then.

However, the issue of introducing second Maitree Express will also be discussed during Modi’s visit.

In the meantime, both Bangladesh and India have moved for launching the second Maitree Express train on Khulna-Kolkata route via Benapole-Petrapole border and more trains on Dhaka-Kolkata route.

BDST: 1939 HRS, MAY 28, 2015
HB/RS/SMS