The Kolkata-Dhaka bus route is experiencing a surge in outbound travel, with buses heading towards the Bangladeshi capital operating at full capacity. This contrasts sharply with the significantly lower occupancy levels observed on buses arriving from Dhaka, highlighting the fluctuating nature of cross-border travel between the two cities.
On Monday, December 2nd, 2024, the high demand was evident. Both the 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM direct buses from Kolkata to Dhaka were completely booked, reflecting a strong appetite for travel between these two vibrant cities. Even the later Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) bus, departing around 1:15 PM, maintained relatively high occupancy. This robust outbound traffic stands in stark contrast to the inbound services, which are operating at approximately half capacity. This imbalance suggests underlying factors influencing travel patterns between India and Bangladesh.
This disparity in passenger numbers is particularly noteworthy given the impending changes to visa regulations. The multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi tourists are set to expire on December 12th, 2024. After this date, new tourist visas will be granted only under exceptional circumstances, primarily medical emergencies. Most Bangladeshi tourists will therefore need to rely on their existing multiple-entry permits.
The impact of these stricter visa policies is already being felt. A group of four friends from Narayanganj, including Md Kabir, recently arrived in India on November 24th on medical visas. They adhered to the new regulations, departing on Monday, December 2nd, 2024. This case study underscores the significant shift in travel dynamics anticipated following the December 12th deadline. The tightening of visa regulations represents a considerable change, limiting the ease of travel for Bangladeshi citizens wishing to visit India for tourism purposes.
This situation presents a compelling case study in the interplay between international relations, tourism, and transportation. The full capacity of outbound buses, coupled with the significantly lower occupancy on inbound routes, is a clear indicator of the evolving travel landscape between India and Bangladesh. The implementation of stricter visa requirements further adds a layer of complexity to this cross-border movement, impacting both the volume and nature of travel between these two neighboring nations. The coming weeks will be critical in observing the long-term impact of these policy changes on the Kolkata-Dhaka bus route and broader tourism exchange between India and Bangladesh.
