Calling the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of this rail link being the first between Bangladesh and the North Eastern states of India. This rail link is expected to boost trade and connectivity between the two countries, further strengthening the strong bond that Tripura has had with Bangladesh since its Liberation struggle. PM Modi stated that the internal trade between India and Bangladesh has tripled in the last 9 years. Additionally, several development projects have been initiated, including the second unit of the Maitree Thermal Power Project and the Agartala-Akhaura International Railway.
During a video conference with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, PM Modi expressed his happiness at the inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link, emphasizing the significance of the new rail link for establishing peace and stability at the border. He highlighted the Land Boundary Agreement signed between India and Bangladesh, which had been delayed for decades, as a step towards achieving peace and security. PM Modi also mentioned the launching of three new bus services and three new train services in the last nine years, connecting major cities in both countries.
Furthermore, PM Modi emphasized the boost in tourism between India and Bangladesh through various initiatives. The introduction of parcel and container trains since 2020 and the world’s biggest cruise, Ganga Vilas, have facilitated tourism and strengthened ties between the two nations. The inauguration of three development projects marks another milestone in the growing cooperation between India and Bangladesh. PM Modi expressed his joy at the success of India-Bangladesh cooperation and highlighted that the work accomplished in the last 9 years surpassed the achievements of previous decades.
The Akhaura-Agartala rail link provides a new commercial opportunity between Northeast India and Bangladesh. This international railway project connects the two countries, offering faster travel times and creating numerous opportunities for tourism, commerce, and intercultural exchange. It is expected to reduce the travel time from Agartala to Kolkata from 31 hours to 10 hours. Despite challenges posed by land acquisition and the COVID-19 pandemic, the completion of the project signifies a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic growth and development in both countries.
