Buses from Dhaka complete trial run till Jalpaiguri

Darjeeling: As part of the trial run for the implementation of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement, two buses that had started journey from Dhaka, Bangladesh on Monday, entered Fulbari in Jalpaiguri district on Tuesday and will commence journey to Kathmandu, Nepal on Wednesday.

The two buses carrying officials of the three countries arrived to a warm welcome at Fulbari at around 4:30 pm on Tuesday. The 45 passengers of the two buses include 25 officials from Bangladesh, 12 officials from India and 6 officials from Nepal, along with 2 officials of the Asian Development Bank.

"This is a trial run including a feasibility study. A feasibility study report will be prepared, based on which a protocol will be signed between the three countries, paving way for a passenger service connecting Dhaka and Kathmandu via Siliguri," stated Farid Ahmed Bhiyan, chairman, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation.

The distance between Dhaka and Kathmandu via Siliguri is 1,104 km. The passenger service is expected to take 30 hours. The trial run and feasibility study will work out details, including a point for night halt and the fare.

A meeting is on the anvil on April 27 in Kathmandu, to discuss the details. "We expect the passenger service to commence at the earliest. The participating countries can get opportunities for trade, tourism and connectivity among the people, through this service," stated Binod Bhattarai, senior divisional engineer, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport department, government of Nepal.

An agreement had been signed between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement) in 2015, to enhance road connectivity between the four countries.

It was a festive environment at Fulbari, with local residents welcoming the passengers of the two Shyamoli Transport Service buses with flowers and garlands. Even shops were decorated and lit up for the event.

The local residents of Fulbari are also optimistic that with international tourists coming in, there will be an economical upliftment of the area.

Subal Roy, Managing Director of North Bengal State Transport Corporation was present on behalf of the government of West Bengal to welcome the guests. "It is a historic day. After Kolkata, now SIliguri will soon be connected to Dhaka through the passenger bus service. It will definitely boost business and international tourism," stated Roy.

The buses will depart from Uttarkanya, the mini state secretariat on Wednesday for Kathmandu via Panitanki, Kakarvita and a night halt at Narayanghat in Nepal. The buses will reach Kathmandu on Thursday.