A trial of bus service on Bangladesh-India-Nepal route has been flagged off, what is seen as a major development in cross border transport service among the three nations.

Two buses carrying 80 delegates of the three nations and led by Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) Chairman Fariduddin Ahmed left the BRTC international depot, Motijheel, Dhaka, this morning.

The delegation will reach Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 26, via Shiliguri, scrutinising in detail all the aspects of the journey. They will submit a report, based on which a protocol will be signed.

“This marks a good beginning of sub-regional connectivity,” said Nazrul Islam, secretary for the road transport and highways division. He said, the protocol will be signed “soon”.

After the protocol agreement, commercial bus service will be launched.

Among others who were present during the flag off were Gaurav Gandhi, first secretary (economic) of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, and Dhan Bahadur Oli, deputy chief of mission at Nepal embassy.

Currently, passengers use Lalmonirhat-Burimari-Changrabandha-Siliguri route to go to Kathmandu. The new route will cut short the journey by more than 100km, while the passengers will be able to enjoy some of the lush green hills on the way.