Trial run of Guwahati-Dhaka bus service begins

GUWAHATI: What is seen as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s manifestation of Act East policy, trial run of Guwahati- Dhaka bus service started on Wednesday. This move is expected to culminate into an agreement and the bus service is expected to be launched within the next 30 – 40 days.

The route has been open for passengers almost after 67 years since partition of India took place in 1947. Guwahati-Dhaka is the third such initiative between India and Bangladesh after 1995 when Kolkata was connected for the first time and later in 2002 with Agartala was connected with bus service.

Speaking at the recently held North East connectivity Summit organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Guwahati, Vijay Chhibber, Secretary, Ministry of road transport and highways said Government of India is open to signing agreements on road and rail transit with all neighbouring countries in line with the agreement signed with Nepal.

The secretary added the union cabinet has approved using the India Nepal agreement as a template for similar agreements with all other neighbouring Countries.

Government plans to introduce regular passenger bus services to Dhaka from Guwahati in Assam via Shillong in Meghalaya. To study and finalize the routes and start the bus services to Dhaka from Shillong and Guwahati, a joint technical survey/trial run is underway.

The trial run will conclude at Dhaka on the December 12 and delegations are expected to submit the report on the details and feasibility of starting of the regular bus services.

Negotiations with Bangladesh for starting the bus services from Guwahati and Shillong have been underway for the past several months and have gathered momentum. The proposed bus service covering approximately 500 kms starting from Guwahati will be taking the Shillong- Dawki (Meghalaya)/Tamabil (Bangladesh)-Sylhet-Dhaka route.

Sheikh Abdul Ahad, joint secretary of home department of Bangladesh said that it is moment of pride for the region. Assam Public Works Department minister Ajanta Neog added this move will promote and enhance commerce and trade between the countries.

Ranjit Barthakur Chairman FICCI, North East advisory council added that increased connectivity will give a major fillip to the region’s economic development.