[1] Previously train services between the two countries existed before the partition of India by the British and the Maitree Express re-established this connection between Dhaka and Kolkata in 2008 after being closed for 43 years.

During British rule over the undivided land, regular over-night trains connected Kolkata, Goalanda, Dhaka and Narayanganj.

In addition pre-partition, Darjeeling Mail connecting Kolkata (Sealdah Station) with Siliguri ran through what became East Pakistan via Gede–Darshana and Chilahati–Haldibari.

Three train services from Sealdah—East Bengal Mail to Parbatipur Junction via Gede-Darshana, East Bengal Express to Goalundo Ghat via Gede-Darshana, and the Barisal Express to Khulna via Benapole–Petrapole—continued operation between the two countries until 1965, when the outbreak of the Indo-Pakistani Conflict of 1965 led to the closure of all passenger train links.

The train service concept got a major boost during the visit of the then Indian Foreign Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, to Dhaka in February 2007.

[7] In response to Indian security demands, a "box-fencing" system was to be erected on either side on the no-man's land between the two countries.

The flag-off ceremony for the first train leaving Kolkata from the Kolkata railway station in Chitpur was attended by dignitaries such as the Indian Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav; Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi; the Governor of West Bengal Gopalkrishna Gandhi; and the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Liquat Ali Chowdhury.

The Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee officially flagged-off the inaugural train from Kolkata, bound for Dhaka.

But the 360-seater Calcutta to Dhaka express train was carrying barely 65 passengers, including journalists and politicians, on its inaugural run.

Indian Railways officials stated that the train service was launched hurriedly, and that when information would spread there would be a greater response and passenger numbers.

[1] An official statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said, "The agreement will strengthen bilateral relations and provide an alternative mode of passenger transport.

However, a group representing Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, the Nikhil Banga Nagarik Sangha (All Bengal Citizens Committee) protested the launching of the train service, citing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh; possible terrorist infiltration into India; and demanding the rehabilitation of Bangladeshi Hindu refugees.

[10][11] Police reports stated that 87 people (including 11 women) had been arrested for blocking the train by squatting on the tracks and refusing to move.

[1][10][11] Police blamed the group for planting three crude bombs on the route, which were defused a day before the launch on 13 April 2008.

Both train services were opened to revive rail links between the countries that were disrupted by the partition of India by the British in 1947.

After both countries started issuing an e-Visa, mentioning specific port and mode of transport is no longer required.

While the train consisting the number 13107/08 is operated using Bangladesh Railway rake, which are also LHB coach in dark green livery with white horizontal line.