Modi and Sheikh Hasina Virtually Inaugurate Game-Changing Rail Links Between India and Bangladesh

Modi and Sheikh Hasina Virtually Inaugurate Game-Changing Rail Links Between India and Bangladesh

New Delhi, November 1, 2023 - In a historic moment that promises to transform the way people and goods move between India and Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, virtually inaugurated the Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link and the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line on November 1, 2023. These two ambitious projects mark a significant milestone in India-Bangladesh cooperation, opening doors to faster, more efficient travel and trade routes.

"It is a matter of happiness that we have come together to celebrate the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation. Our relations are touching new heights," said PM Modi during the inauguration ceremony. He also noted the remarkable progress made in the last few years, including the launch of three new rail services, container and partial train operations since 2020, and the development of inland waterways for passenger and goods transport over the last nine years.

The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link is a 7.9-kilometre marvel that aims to accelerate passenger and goods transport between India and its neighboring countries. Funded with an Indian grant of Rs 392.52 crore to Bangladesh, this project features a 6.78-kilometer dual-gauge rail line in Bangladesh and a 5.46-kilometer stretch in Tripura.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the dramatic reduction in travel time. Previously, the rail route from Agartala to Kolkata stretched over 1,600 kilometers and took a grueling 38 hours to traverse. With the introduction of the Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, this journey has been streamlined, and travelers can now cover the distance in just 10 hours via Dhaka.

Sunindra Chaudhury, an executive engineer of the Indian Railways, emphasized that while goods trains would be operational shortly, passenger trains required the fulfillment of certain formalities by both the Indian Railways and the Bangladesh Railway Board.

The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line, with a total project cost of USD $388.92 million, was financed through a Government of India concessional Line of Credit. It involved the construction of approximately 65 kilometers of broad-gauge rail route, connecting Mongla, Bangladesh's second-largest port, to the broad-gauge railway network in Khulna. This initiative will enhance the operations of Mongla Port and boost connectivity between Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Moreover, the rail link will connect Mongla Port and Siliguri in India through Panchagarh and Banglabandha in the north, opening new trade avenues.

Reports indicate that Tripura shares an 856-kilometer-long international border with Bangladesh. However, parts of this border remain unfenced due to local disputes. The state's sole road connectivity with the rest of the country currently relies on Assam and a narrow strip of land in West Bengal's Siliguri. The new rail links promise to diversify and strengthen Tripura's connectivity options.

The virtual inauguration of these two groundbreaking projects symbolizes the deepening friendship and collaboration between India and Bangladesh. It is not only a testament to the robust ties between the two nations but also a significant leap forward in enhancing trade and travel in the region.

In conclusion, these rail links between India and Bangladesh are poised to revolutionize the transportation landscape, enabling quicker, more efficient connectivity between the two nations and their neighboring countries. It marks a meaningful step towards fostering economic growth, strengthening diplomatic ties, and creating a brighter future for the people of the region.

Keywords -

India

Bangladesh

India-Bangladesh cooperation

Agartala to Kolkata

Indian Railways

Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line

Mongla Port

Siliguri 

Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link

Tripura

Date - 1st November,2023

Category - Indian Travel  

Source - https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/modi-and-hasina-inaugurate-khulna-mongla-port-akhaura-agartala-rail-line-11642271.html