Bangladesh and India are set to discuss the resumption of the suspended Maitree, Bandhan and Mitali Express services at a two-day railway meeting beginning in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) will discuss the possible restart of the three cross-border passenger trains, with services potentially resuming as early as next month if both sides agree, according to railway officials.

Bangladesh will also propose a new passenger train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata and express interest in operating the Maitree Express between Dhaka and Kolkata via the Padma Bridge.

The issues for discussion at the meeting have already been finalised. Representatives from the foreign and home ministries and other relevant agencies are also expected to attend, as approval from the railway authorities alone will not be sufficient to resume the services.

The three trains have remained suspended since July 2024 amid political unrest. The Maitree Express was suspended on July 16, while all three services were halted from July 19.

Maitree connects Dhaka with Kolkata, Bandhan runs between Khulna and Kolkata, and Mitali links Dhaka with New Jalpaiguri.

The IGRM is held alternately in Bangladesh and India every year. The previous meeting was held in New Delhi from January 20 to 22 last year.

Officials said the final decision on resuming the cross-border passenger trains will be taken at the political level.