As the Maitree Express gets ready to link India and Bangladesh 43 years after it was suspended during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the Sunday Express catches up with the preparations at Gede, the last station on this side of the border

AT Gede station on the India-Bangladesh border in Nadia district, about 200 km from Kolkata, Madan’s tea stall has retained its popularity with rail employees over the years. He passes steaming cups of tea through the gaps in the 6-ft high iron fencing that runs along Platform No. 1 at Gede. The physical barrier between Madan and his customers— his stall is located on the Indian side of the platform—has not come in the way of his business. But now after being around for 26 years, Madan’s tea stall will be moved out of Platform No. 1. But Madan doesn’t mind. After all, the platform is being readied for the Indo-Bangla Maitree (Goodwill) Express that is scheduled to leave Kolkata for Bangladesh on April 14, the Bengali New Year. Gede is the last station on this side of the border. The train sets off on this cross-country journey 43 years after it was stopped during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

“It’s a good thing happening and now Gede will become internationally famous soon,” laughs Madan.

Preparations are on for this new beginning. The pot-holed platform of this far-flung, remote border station has got a facelift. There’s no litter around, the toilets are clean and new taps and mosaic benches have been installed.

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