Northeast Desk, 18th May: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha announced that the Maitri Setu and the Agartala-Akhaura Railway Link will soon be operational, enhancing connectivity and boosting economic prospects for the region.
The Maitri Setu, constructed over the river Feni in Sabroom, South Tripura, will grant the state access to the Chittagong port in Bangladesh. This development positions Tripura as the “Gateway of North East,” with the port being a mere 80 kilometers from Sabroom.
Chief Minister Saha emphasized the government’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the state, which is attracting numerous investors. “With elections concluding and a new government forming under PM Modi’s leadership, who emphasizes the Act East Policy and the HIRA Model, the Maitri Setu will be operational soon. The trial for the Agartala-Akhaura railway link is completed and will commence soon. Many investors are showing interest, and the future of Tripura looks promising. Once rail connectivity is established, reaching Kolkata will be significantly faster,” he stated.
The Agartala-Akhaura railway project is the first of its kind between the North Eastern States and Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity. The Indian portion of the project is managed by the Ministry of Railways through the Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) and funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). The Bangladeshi segment is handled by Bangladesh Railways and funded by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This project, spanning 5.46 km in India and 6.78 km in Bangladesh, has a total cost of Rs. 972.52 crore.
The operationalization of these projects is expected to enhance trade between India and Bangladesh, providing a crucial boost to the region’s economic landscape.
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