Kolkata-Dhaka train service to be deferred

Kolkata, Mar 25: The Kolkata-Dhaka train service that was scheduled to be launched on April 14, is now expected to be delayed on the request of the West Bengal Government.

The West Bengal Government does not want the train service to be launched between April 7 and May 21 because of fears that it might disrupt the Panchayat elections. The matter was discussed at the State Secretariat on Monday among Eastern Railway General Manager N K Goel, state Chief Secretary A K Deb and Home Secretary A M Chakraborty, according to the railway sources. The sources said, "No decision has yet been taken in the meeting for the delay." Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has already announced in Parliament that the 'Moitree Express' would run from April 14, coinciding with 'Pahela Baisakh' the first day of the Bengali New Year.

Bangladesh Communication Ministry officials said, "The date would be announced officially after a supplementary deal between the railway officials of the two countries, which is expected to be signed during three-day bilateral talks in Dhaka from April 1."

ANI