Home
/
Blog
/
Transportation Tips for Bangladeshi Patients and Families in Major Indian Cities

Transportation Tips for Bangladeshi Patients and Families in Major Indian Cities

Essential transportation tips for Bangladeshi patients and families navigating major Indian cities during medical visits.
Guidance for Bangladeshi patients on using transportation in major Indian cities.

When travelling to another country for medical treatment, understanding the transportation options available can make a significant difference in your experience. For Bangladeshi patients and their families coming to India, this is especially important. Major Indian cities are bustling with activity, and navigating them can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local transport systems. 

This guide aims to provide clear and simple advice on how to get around safely and efficiently, ensuring that your focus remains on what matters most getting the medical care you need.

Air Travel

For Bangladeshi patients and their families, the easiest and most convenient way to reach major Indian cities is by air. Several direct flights operate between Bangladesh (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet) and key Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. These flights are frequent, allowing for flexible travel plans based on your medical appointments.

Once you arrive at the airport in India, you will need to get to your hospital or accommodation. Most major airports in Indian cities offer several transportation options, including:

  • Pre-arranged Transfers: Many hospitals like Apollo Hospitals and medical travel agencies offer airport pick-up services. To make your journey even more comfortable, consider booking your airport pick-up through Bangla Health Connect. This is often the most hassle-free option, as a driver will be waiting for you upon arrival and will take you directly to your destination.
  • Airport Shuttles: Some airports provide shuttle services that connect the airport to various parts of the city. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you're travelling with minimal luggage.
  • Taxis and Ride-Sharing: You can also use traditional taxis or ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber. These services are widely available and can be booked directly from your smartphone.

Rail Travel

For those who prefer travelling by train, there are convenient rail connections between Bangladesh and India. The Maitree Express is a popular choice, running between Dhaka and Kolkata. This train offers a comfortable and scenic journey, making it a good option for patients and families who might prefer a less stressful travel experience compared to flying.

Once in India, the country's extensive rail network makes it easy to travel between major cities. Trains connect cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, providing a cost-effective way to travel longer distances within India.

Helpful Tips:

  • Book Early: Reserve your train tickets online or at stations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
  • Choose Comfort: Opt for air-conditioned classes to ensure a comfortable journey, particularly for elderly family members or patients.
  • Navigate Stations Easily: Indian train stations can be busy. Arrive early and seek assistance from station staff to avoid confusion.
  • Use Booking Apps: Apps like IRCTC help you check schedules, book tickets, and select seats, making travel planning smoother.
  • Shuttle Service: When Bangladeshi patients arrive in Chennai, India, they can use a shuttle service provided by Apollo Hospitals. This shuttle picks up patients from Egmore Railway Station and takes them directly to Apollo Hospital in Chennai. Please note that this service is currently only available in Egmore Railway Station.

Road Travel

For those who prefer travelling by road, several border crossings facilitate travel between Bangladesh and India. The most commonly used crossing is the Benapole-Petrapole border, which connects Bangladesh to India’s West Bengal. This route is frequently used by travellers heading to Kolkata and other nearby cities.

Navigating the cities in India is made easy with a range of local transport options available:

  • Buses: Public buses are a cost-effective way to travel within cities. However, they can be crowded and may not be the best option for those with health concerns.
  • Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are widely available in all major cities. While taxis offer more comfort, auto-rickshaws are a quicker option for navigating through heavy traffic.
  • Ride-Sharing Services: Ride-sharing apps like Ola, Uber and Rapido are reliable and widely used in India. These services allow you to book a ride directly from your smartphone and offer features like fare estimates and GPS tracking.

Quick Tips:

  • Document Check: Ensure your passport, visa, and any necessary medical documents are in order when crossing the border by road. Carry multiple copies for convenience.
  • Fare Safety: If using local taxis or auto-rickshaws without meters, agree on the fare beforehand. For added safety, share your ride details with a family member using your phone’s tracking feature.

Safety and Convenience Tips

Language Assistance

While English is widely spoken in major Indian cities, there may still be language barriers, especially in more localized areas. For Bangladeshi patients and their families, understanding the local language can be crucial for smooth communication, particularly when using public transportation or seeking help.

  • Translation Apps: Using translation apps like Google Translate can help bridge the language gap. These apps can translate text and even spoken words in real time, making it easier to communicate with drivers, shopkeepers, and others.
  • Hospital Language Support: Many hospitals in major cities offer language support services, including Bengali-speaking staff or translators. It's a good idea to inquire about these services when arranging your treatment.
Top Tips for Safety and Convenience While Traveling

Emergency Services

In case of emergencies, knowing how to quickly access help is essential. Whether it’s a medical emergency or a transportation issue, being prepared can save valuable time.

  • Emergency Numbers: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers handy. In India, the emergency number for police is 100, for ambulance services is 102, and for fire is 101.
  • Hospital Transport Services: Many hospitals offer ambulance services that can be quickly arranged in case of medical emergencies. It’s a good idea to have the hospital’s emergency contact details saved on your phone.

Planning your transportation effectively can greatly ease the experience of travelling to India for medical treatment. By staying informed about the available options and preparing ahead, you can focus more on your health and less on the logistics. Whether you need help with arranging travel or navigating medical services, Bangla Health Connect is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Connect with us to plan your medical travel to Apollo India from Bangladesh
Rely on Bangla Health Connect, authorized representative of Apollo Hospitals India in Bangladesh.

FAQs

Can I request the hospital to pick me up when I arrive at the airport?

Yes, you can ask the hospital to arrange a pickup for you when you land at the airport. Some hospitals like Apollo Hospitals offer pre-arranged transfers as part of their services, making it convenient for patients to travel directly from the airport to the hospital. It’s best to contact the hospital in advance to confirm if this service is available and to make the necessary arrangements. For more information and common questions, visit our FAQ page.

What are the best transportation options from the airport to hospitals in different cities?

The best transportation options from the airport to hospitals include pre-arranged transfers provided by hospitals or medical travel agencies, airport shuttles, and ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber

How do I book a reliable taxi service in Indian cities?

Reliable taxi services can be booked using ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber, which are widely available in all major Indian cities. These apps allow you to see fare estimates, track your ride in real-time, and ensure that the drivers are verified. Alternatively, metered taxis are available in most cities, but always confirm the fare before starting your journey if the taxi isn’t metered.

Is it safe to travel by train or bus to India for medical purposes?

Yes, it is generally safe to travel by train or bus in India, but it’s important to choose the right class and time. For longer journeys, it’s advisable to opt for air-conditioned classes on trains for added comfort. Buses can be crowded, so it might be better to use taxis or ride-sharing services for shorter distances within the city, especially if travelling with someone who needs extra care.

How can language barriers be managed while using public transport in India?

Language barriers can be managed by using translation apps like Google Translate, which can help you communicate in Hindi or other local languages. Additionally, many people in major Indian cities speak English, and in some cases, Bengali-speaking support staff are available, especially in hospitals. 

Need help with Apollo Hospitals in India?
Chennai . Delhi . Mumbai . Kolkata . Hyderabad . Banglore . Ahmedabad
Doctor Appointment | Indian Medical Visa Invitation Letter | Second Opinion | Cost of Treatment | Flight Ticket
Bangla Health Connect in Bangladesh is the authorized representative of Apollo Hospitals India to assist in booking doctor appointments and coordinate travel plans for patients travelling to Apollo Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai & Ahmedabad.
What our customers are saying about us
I am really grateful to their team.They are very active in their profession. If somebody likes take treatment in Chennai Apollo Hospital, you can take help from them. They provide everything you need.
Rabi Sanyal
আপনাদের ধন্যবাদ দেয়ার ভাষা আমার জানা নেই, ভিসা ইনভাইটেশন থেকে শুরু করে এয়ারপোর্ট পিক এন্ড ড্রপ সার্ভিস, দেশে আসার পরে রিপোর্ট দেয়া, অসাধারণ। অন্তরের অন্ত:স্থল থেকে ধন্যবাদ। আল্লাহ আপনাদের মংগল করুন ❤️
Engr. Saad
I am very thankful to Apollo Information Center specially to Ms. Sanzida for guiding me properly. I am astonished how she approach me everything politely. Honestly for the first time I feel that the service was world-class by Ms Sanzida. I pray for her.
Md. Ariful Islam
Bangla health connect এর সার্ভিস গ্রহন করি আমার বাবার চিকিৎসার জন্য।প্রতিষ্ঠানের কর্মকর্তা ইশরাত জাহান অত্যন্ত আন্তরিক।তার সার্বিক সহযোগিতায় আমি কৃতজ্ঞ।
Mazharul Islam Maruf
The lady named Sadia did a very good job . She helped me in every possible way. Very helpful,well mannered. They response very quickly . If you have any queries just text them ,they will do the rest. Best wishes for them. Always thankful to the team.Go Ahead and keep doing good works .May Allah bless you All
Tanha Tabassum Arshi GUB
অসাধারণ সার্ভিস এই ইনফরমেশন সেন্টারের,বিশেষত তাদের ব্যাবহার অনেক সুন্দর। যারা অসুস্থ থাকেন তারা সর্বদা দুশ্চিন্তায় থাকেন। সে সময় যদি কেউ হাসি মুখে পাশে থাকেন তার থেকে আনন্দের বোধকরি কিছু হয় না। apollo information centre তেমনই একটি প্রতিষ্ঠান। তাছাড়া অনলাইনে ডাক্তরদের সাথে রোগী দেখানোর সময় তারা যে ভাবে সাহায্য করেন, নিজেরা প্যানেলে থেকে ভাষাগত ভাবে হেল্প করেন, বাস্তবিক সেটা প্রশংসার দাবিদার। বিশেষত ইসরাত জাহান আপু টেলিমেডিসিন পরিসেবা গ্রহণের সময় যে ভাবে হেল্প করেন,রোগীর প্রতিটি কথা ইংরেজিতে অনুবাদ করে ডাক্তারকে বলেন,আবার ডাক্তার সাহেবের কথা বাংলায় বুঝিয়ে দেন।সেটা এক কথায় অসাধারণ।তারপর, দ্রুত রোগীদের কাছে প্রেসকিপশন পাঠানোর ব্যাবস্থা করেন।এগুলা সম্পূর্ণ আন্তরিকতার পরিচয় বহন করে। আমি এই প্রতিষ্ঠানের সমৃদ্ধি কামনা করি।
Debangshu Das
Apollo Information Center is a helpful and easy media to get medical assistance from Apollo Hospitals in India.
Nino Rahman
Received timely and speedily support from Apollo Information Center, Dhaka for making appointment with Physicians of Apollo hospital, Chennai. The employees of this center were outstandingly cooperative,. Especially name of Anjum is worth mentioning in this regard.
Tarequl Alam Khan
Apollo Information Center, Dhaka was very quick to arrange Medical Visa Invitation Letter and managed appointment with doctor. Employees in Dhaka center are very generous and cooperative
Md Mobasher Hossain
It was a pleasant experience having interacted with Health Connect, more notably it’s representative Ms. Sunjida Sayed, in connection with my medical check-up at Apollo, Chennai Hospital. Her level of professionalism was outstanding, let alone the special touch of care in every bit of synergy. It means a lot to a patient looking for medical support.
Khondker Hafiz
Thanks to Ms. Anjuman Ara for the efficient arrangement. Thanks to the doctors (Dr. Reddi, Dr. Jeenat and Dr. Srinivas) for their sincere treatment of my son Amitabh Khan.
Barnali Mondal