Mitali Express returns from Bangladesh to India after 5 months

After a five-month hiatus, the Mitali Express train has returned to India, arriving at Haldibari station in the Cooch Behar district on Tuesday. The train had been stationed in Dhaka since July 17 due to political turmoil and violence by hardline fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh.

The Mitali Express last ran on July 17, when it traveled from Haldibari station to Dhaka Cantonment Station via Chilahati in Bangladesh. Since then, it has remained in Dhaka, with operations halted amidst the volatile political situation in the neighboring country.

According to sources, a high-level meeting between Indian and Bangladeshi officials was held on Monday to discuss the matter. Following the discussions, the empty train crossed the international border and returned to Haldibari station early Tuesday morning.

"The Mitali Express arrived at 9:05 am today. It will not run for now, and no further updates on its resumption are available," said Station Master Satyajit Tewari. He added that a thorough train inspection confirmed no damage to its coaches.

The train’s engine returned to Bangladesh after dropping the coaches at Haldibari, signaling that further discussions may be needed to decide the train’s future operations. The Mitali Express, launched to strengthen India-Bangladesh connectivity, has been symbolic of growing bilateral ties. However, its prolonged halt underscores the impact of regional instability on cross-border collaborations.