Agartala-Dhaka direct bus trial runs held, service likely to resume soon
Times of India
by BISWENDU BHATTACHARJEEFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Three days after Tarique Rahman became Bangladesh's Prime Minister, trial runs of the Agartala-Dhaka direct bus service were conducted, signaling the potential resumption of commercial operations soon. The luxury bus completed a cross-border trial run from Dhaka to Agartala and back, covering 155 km through the Akhaura Integrated Check Post. This move follows directives from Bangladesh's new administration and could pave the way for the service to resume after being suspended over strained bilateral relations following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Agartala-Dhaka bus route, launched in 2003, was briefly halted during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in June 2022. The recent suspension was due to visa service disruptions and deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations. Now, with a new government in place in Bangladesh and improving diplomatic ties, authorities are working to revive this key link between Tripura and Kolkata via Dhaka. The service is expected to facilitate travel for tourists, traders, and families connected by shared cultural and social bonds across the border.
Officials highlighted that tourist visa services from Bangladesh to Agartala will soon be introduced, further easing cross-border movement. Tripura's Chief Minister, Manik Saha, welcomed the initiative as a positive sign for bilateral ties, expressing hope that other issues between the two nations would also be resolved. The fare for the 500-km journey from Agartala to Kolkata via Dhaka has been set at ₹2,800.
This development marks a significant step toward restoring connectivity between India's northeastern region and Bangladesh. It not only addresses long-standing logistical challenges but also strengthens economic and cultural ties between the two
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026