A transformative seminar titled “Tripura-Land locked to land-linked” was held at Prajna Bhawan in Agartala, where experts and stakeholders convened to discuss the remarkable advancements in multi-modal connectivity between Tripura, Bangladesh, and the northeastern states. These improvements have propelled Tripura into a burgeoning communication hub, empowering local traders to transition into international traders. The seminar, a collaborative effort between the School of Logistics, Communication, and Waterways and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), drew enthusiastic participation from Tripura University, MBB University, ICFAI University, as well as numerous central and state government organizations and business entities.
Inaugural Session:
The event was inaugurated by Mr. JK Sinha, IAS, Chief Secretary of the State Government, and also graced by the presence of Mr. Arif Mohammad, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala, as a Special Guest.
In his welcome address, Dr. Palin Khudongbam, Co-Chairman of CII North East Council, shed light on Tripura’s geo-centric position, emphasizing its potential as a multi-modal connectivity hub.
Mr. Uttam Kumar Chakma, Secretary of the Department of Transport, provided a comprehensive overview of Tripura’s communication system, past, present, and future. Notable achievements included the establishment of the internet gateway in Tripura under the Act East Policy of the Government of India, the operation of 10 express trains connecting Tripura to various locations, and the construction of a model rail yard at Nischintapur as part of the Agartala-Akhaura rail line project. He also highlighted the declaration of Udaipur, Dharmanagar, and Kumarghat railway stations as Amrit Bharat stations, promising advanced facilities. Additionally, SpiceJet had been approved to operate the Agartala-Chittagong route, and work was underway on the Sonamura-Daudkandi waterway. The government was also actively involved in enhancing the national highway network.
JK Sinha, in his inaugural speech, expressed admiration for the remarkable transformation of the communication system in the state over the last few years. He emphasized that the proactive early policy would further elevate the state’s communication infrastructure, which, in turn, would accelerate economic growth. While acknowledging improvements in air communication, Sinha stressed the importance of enhancing regional communication systems and fostering increased financial activity. He encouraged the responsible utilization of the state’s limited resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Arif Mohammad’s Perspective:
Assistant High Commissioner Arif Mohammad expressed his support for strengthening current regional cooperation, citing the longstanding 52-year-old relationship between India and Bangladesh. He underlined the significance of regional cooperation across political, commercial, and cultural platforms. Arif Mohammad also highlighted Tripura’s immense potential to develop into a commercial hub due to its strategic geographical location. He stressed the importance of resource sharing, especially in infrastructure development concerning river issues, to maintain regional peace and stability.
Technical Sessions:
Following the inaugural session, two technical sessions were held, focusing on “Connectivity Tripura: The Next Gateway to the North-East” and “Tripura — The Trade Corridor.” These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions and insights into the region’s evolving connectivity and trade prospects.
The seminar served as a pivotal event in recognizing and harnessing Tripura’s newfound status as a communication hub, ushering in a promising era of economic growth and international trade opportunities for the region.
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