Agartala-Dhaka Bus Service Trial Runs Signal Revival After Year-Long Suspension
In a significant development for cross-border connectivity, trial runs of the Agartala–Dhaka direct bus service have been successfully conducted, just three days after Tarique Rahman assumed office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister. This move signals a potential resumption of commercial operations, which were suspended for more than a year amid a halt in visa services and strained bilateral relations.
Trial Runs Mark a New Chapter
A luxury bus, covering a distance of 155 km from Dhaka, arrived in Agartala through the Akhaura Integrated Check Post on Friday. It then returned to Dhaka from the Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) depot in Agartala on Saturday morning, completing the cross-border trial run. Officials stated that this development followed directives from the new Bangladeshi administration. They added that, if preparations proceed as planned, the Agartala–Dhaka bus service could resume shortly.
Historical Context and Suspension
The cross-border bus service between the two cities was launched in 2003. It faced interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in June 2022. However, the service was halted again in August 2024 following strained bilateral relations after the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office. With a new government now in power in Bangladesh and the domestic situation stabilizing, authorities have moved to revive this crucial route.
Strategic Importance and Future Prospects
The Agartala–Dhaka bus service links Tripura to Kolkata via Dhaka, facilitating travel between India’s northeastern region and eastern states through Bangladesh. An official highlighted that "tourist visa services from Bangladesh to Agartala will also be initiated soon, making travel more convenient for tourists, traders, and families who share deep-rooted social and cultural ties across borders."
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha welcomed the move, stating, "I welcome the move to resume India-Bangladesh bus service connecting Agartala with Kolkata via Dhaka. The uncertainty is over with the formation of an elected government in Bangladesh. This is a good sign in bilateral ties. We hope other issues will also be addressed."
Operational Details
The fare for the approximately 500-km journey from Agartala to Kolkata via Dhaha has been fixed at ₹2,800. This revival effort underscores a renewed focus on enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
