Narendra Modi And Sheikh Hasina Inaugurates Key Rail Routes Connecting India And Bangladesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated three Indian backed development projects. The inauguration was done virtually. The three projects are Akhuara-Agartala Cross Border Link, Khulna-Mangla Port Rail Line and Unit-II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant.
The projects will help in connecting the Indo-Bangladesh international train route. During the inaugural session, PM Modi said, “it is a matter of happiness that we have come together to celebrate the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation”. He said the relation between the two countries are reaching new heights.
Our partnership with Bangladesh is a key aspect of our Neighbourhood First policy and we are dedicated to further strengthen it. https://t.co/hijUSCT0ld
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2023
The Bangladesh PM said the inauguration shows the “strong bond of friendship and collaboration” between India and Bangladesh. She also thanked PM Modi for the “warm hospitality” during her visit in September for the G-20 Summit.
The Akhuara-Agartala Cross Border Link will aid in cutting down the total time of travel for Indians. Bangladesh lies between the land mass of India’s northeast and rest of the country. It takes about 31 hours to travel from Kolkata to Agartala. But the new rail line will cut down the time to 10 to 12 hours. Mr Modi said, “this is the first rail link between the northeast and Bangladesh” and remarked the project as “historic”.
The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line was a highly anticipated project. The project is expected to bolster the connectivity of Bangladesh with its three neighbouring country – India, Nepal and Bhutan. The rail will connect Mongla Port with Siliguri Port in India by passing through Panchagarh and Banglabandha.
Unit-II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant will connect Nischintapur and Gangasagar via a 65 km broad gauge route. It is expected to boost cross-border trade.
The rail route is opened to goods transportation and passengers are not allowed yet. The first trial of the new railway route was done on Monday. Officials said some formalities should be done between the Indian Railways and Bangladesh Railways before the route to be opened for passengers, says report.
