In a momentous development, the Agartala-Akhaura railway project was virtually inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina. This railway project, funded by India as part of its Act East Policy, is set to transform connectivity and trade prospects between India and Bangladesh, especially for the northeastern states of India and Bangladesh’s Khulna division.
Project Overview:
The Agartala-Akhaura railway project is a dual gauge railway line, designed to facilitate both passenger and goods interchange between India and Bangladesh. It spans a distance of 12.24 kilometers, with 5.46 kilometers in India and 6.78 kilometers in Bangladesh. This railway line is of immense significance, as it marks the first-ever railway connection between northeastern India and Bangladesh. While there are already some rail links between West Bengal and Bangladesh, the Agartala-Akhaura line opens up new avenues for trade, tourism, and economic growth.
Impact on Connectivity:
One of the most remarkable outcomes of this railway project is the significant reduction in travel time. The rail route distance between the northeastern state of Tripura and Kolkata will be shortened to just 500 kilometers via Bangladesh, compared to the existing 1,600-kilometer route through Guwahati. This improvement in connectivity is expected to save travelers an impressive 22 hours of travel time, making it easier for people in Tripura, southern Assam, and Mizoram to visit Kolkata by rail.
Financial Assistance:
India has been a key supporter of these projects. The Agartala-Akhaura railway project, with an escalated cost of Rs 1,255.10 crore, was approved by both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments in July 2016. The funding for this project came from India’s Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) served as the nodal agency for the project.
Tourism and Economic Growth:
The inauguration of the Agartala-Akhaura railway project is not just about improving connectivity; it also holds the potential to boost tourism, trade, and the economy in the northeastern states. As Chief Minister Manik Saha pointed out, Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives have brought about a remarkable transformation in the connectivity and transportation sectors in the region.
Other Inaugurated Projects:
In addition to the Agartala-Akhaura railway, both Prime Ministers also inaugurated the Maitree Super Thermal Power project with a generation capacity of 1,320 MW at Rampal in Bangladesh’s Khulna division. They also celebrated the completion of the 86.87-kilometer Khulna-Mongla port rail line project. All three projects have received financial assistance from India, underlining the strengthened cooperation between the two countries.
Regional and Global Implications:
The Agartala-Akhaura railway project aligns with India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ aiming to foster economic cooperation and strategic ties with nations in the Asia-Pacific region. The northeastern region of India, consisting of eight states, has been designated as a priority region in this policy. This railway project is expected to serve as a vital link in enhancing regional connectivity and trade.
This historic inauguration marks a new chapter in India-Bangladesh relations and opens the door to increased cooperation and economic growth in the region. The people of northeastern India and Bangladesh can now look forward to a brighter and more connected future as a result of these transformative railway projects.
