Rajshahi: Rajshahi-Kolkata bus service through Benapole border began amidst departure of a Kolkata-bound luxurious bus from here this morning for the first time fulfilling a long-lasting hope and aspiration of Rajshahi people.

The private company Desh Travels Limited launched the service which is likely to bring a new dimension to the field of easy communications between peoples of the two neighbouring countries.

Chairman of Desh Travels Shamsur Rahman, president of Road Transport Group Prof Monzur Rahman, president of Motor Sramik Union Kamal Hossain and its Secretary Mahtab Hossain were present at the launching ceremony held at Seroil Bus Terminal.

Masud Rana, manager of Desh Travels, told journalists that a bus will leave Rajshahi at 7.15am and reach Kolkata at 3.15pm via Natore, Kustia, Jessore and Benapole and it will leave Kolkata at 3.15pm every day. Cost of one-way trip is Taka 1,800 per seat. There will no cost for immigration purposes, he added.

‘With this breakthrough, we will be benefited in the field of trade, education, treatment and tourism,’ hoped the transport owner Monzur Rahman.