Three Significant Connectivity And Energy Projects Are Launched By Bangladesh And India.

Three Significant Energy And Connectivity Projects, Including The First-Ever Railway Line Connecting Bangladesh’s Northeastern States To India, Were Officially Opened On Wednesday By The Two Countries. The Projects Were Constructed With Indian Assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi And His Bangladeshi Counterpart Sheikh Hasina Jointly Launched The Projects—The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line, And Unit II Of The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant—At A Virtual Event.

This Development Coincides With Growing Pressure On Hasina To Guarantee Free And Fair Elections Early In The New Year From Opposition Parties In Bangladesh And Certain Western Countries. India Has Become Bangladesh’s Biggest Development Partner During The Modi Administration, With A Portfolio Of About $10 Billion In Grants And Concessional Loans.

Speaking At The Event, Modi Emphasized The Need Of Both Nations Building Connectivity And Infrastructure To Fulfill The Ambitions Of Their Citizens. He Also Mentioned That In The Last Nine Years, Both Had Introduced Three New Bus Lines And As Many Rail Services. According To Him, In 2022, They Also Started Container And Package Trains And Built Four New Immigration Checkpoints.

Speaking In Bengali, Hasina Stated, “Our Cooperation In The Power Sector And Connectivity Stands Out As A Shining Example Of Our Win-Win Cooperation.” She Also Outlined The Government’s Goal Of Making Bangladesh A Sophisticated, Affluent, And Intellectually Curious Nation By 2041.

Modi Stated, “India Will Continue Providing Complete Cooperation To Advance Your Smart Bangladesh,” Pointing Out That 12 IT Parks Are Being Built With Indian Assistance And That The Two Countries Have Also Decided To Integrate Their Payment Gateway.

India’s “Neighbourhood First” Policy Places A Strong Emphasis On Bangladesh, And Many Development Initiatives Funded By India Are Intended To Improve Connectivity Between The Neighboring Nation And India’s Strategically Important But Landlocked Northeastern Region.

For The First Time, Bangladesh And Northeastern India Will Be Connected By Rail Thanks To The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link. Additionally, It Will Improve Communication Between The Northeast And Bangladesh’s Chattogram Port, Thereby Promoting Trade And Tourism.

This Is The Sixth Cross-Border Rail Link, Which Runs From Nischintapur Station In Tripura To Bangladesh’s Gangasagar Station On The Dhaka-Chattogram Line. The Link Is 12.24 Kilometers Long Overall, And It Cost $150 Million To Complete. This Comprises A 6.78 Km Dual Gauge Line Constructed In Bangladesh With Funding Provided By India Totaling Roughly $50 Million.