After a prolonged hiatus of over eighteen months, the direct international bus service connecting Dhaka, Agartala, and Kolkata has officially resumed operations. The revival of this vital transport link was marked on Tuesday afternoon, 24 February, when a Royal Moitree bus departed from the Dhaka Kamalpur bus depot and crossed the Akhaura International Immigration Checkpost into the Indian state of Tripura.
The service was originally suspended following the political upheaval in Bangladesh on 5 August 2024, exacerbated by significant visa complications. Its restoration is being viewed as a symbolic and practical step towards normalising bilateral relations and fostering mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
A Strategic Transnational Corridor
The primary appeal of the Dhaka-Agartala-Kolkata route lies in its immense geographic efficiency. For residents of Tripura, reaching Kolkata via the internal Indian rail network involves a circuitous 1,500-kilometre journey through Guwahati. By transiting through Bangladesh, the distance is slashed by two-thirds.
| Route Details | Distance (Approx.) | Mode of Travel |
| Agartala to Kolkata (via Guwahati) | 1,500 km | Indian Railways |
| Agartala to Kolkata (via Dhaka) | 500 km | International Bus |
| Current Frequency | Twice Weekly | Experimental Phase |
| Proposed Frequency | Thrice Weekly | Full Operation |
Political and Cultural Significance
The resumption of the service has been warmly received by officials on both sides of the border. Manik Saha, the Chief Minister of Tripura, welcomed the move, while the State Transport Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, addressed the media to emphasise the broader implications of the link.
“This bus service is not merely a mode of transport; it is a vital bridge for communication, culture, and commerce between our peoples,” Minister Chowdhury remarked. He further noted that while relations had experienced a period of “coolness” during recent political transitions, the formation of the new government in Dhaka has paved the way for constructive dialogue. He reiterated that India views Bangladesh as a member of its “extended family,” noting that stability in Dhaka is essential for peace in the region.
Waris Alam, General Manager of the bus service, confirmed that the current schedule remains experimental. Once the route demonstrates sustained stability, the frequency will be increased to three days a week. The move is expected to provide a significant boost to regional tourism, trade, and the historic cultural ties that bind West Bengal, Tripura, and Bangladesh.