Agartala, February 21, 2026: In a significant development reflecting renewed warmth in bilateral ties, the long-suspended Maitri bus service connecting Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka is set to resume from February 24, bringing relief to passengers on both sides of the border. The revival of the service comes in the backdrop of political stability returning to Bangladesh following the popular uprising and the formation of a permanent, democratic government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Residents of Agartala will once again be able to travel by road to Kolkata through Dhaka, a route that had remained closed due to instability in Bangladesh after the mass uprising. The service had been suspended amid uncertainty following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, and the subsequent interim administration.
India, particularly Tripura, has historically shared close and friendly relations with Bangladesh. However, strained ties and an adverse political climate in recent times had disrupted cross-border exchanges, including passenger transport services. With the BNP forming a stable government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, efforts are now underway to rebuild trust and cooperation with India.
Confirming the development, Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) Vice Chairman Samar Roy said, “After a long time, the Maitri bus service from Agartala to Kolkata via Dhaka is being resumed. A successful trial run was conducted today, and all necessary preparations have been reviewed. It is now certain that the service will restart from February 24.”
He added that the bus will depart from Agartala on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, while services from Kolkata to Agartala will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. “The resumption of this service after a prolonged gap will greatly facilitate travel and people-to-people contact between the two countries,” Roy noted.
The restart of the Maitree bus service is being seen as a symbolic and practical step towards restoring normalcy and strengthening India–Bangladesh relations at the grassroots level.
