In a historic moment, a decade after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2013, India and Bangladesh celebrated a significant achievement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the Agartala-Akhaura project virtually, marking the first Indo-Bangla international railway connectivity in Northeast India. The inauguration ceremony took place through a virtual event with the leaders participating from New Delhi and Dhaka, respectively.

The project, poised to introduce fresh prospects for connectivity, transit, trade, and commerce, holds particular significance for the landlocked state of Tripura. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha participated virtually in the event from Agartala.

Addressing the inauguration, Modi emphasized the accomplishments of his government, including the resolution of the Indo-Bangla Land Boundary Agreement, the maritime boundary dispute, and the significant focus placed on enhancing infrastructure and connectivity between the two nations. He deemed the moment as historic.

Describing India as "Bangladesh's primary development partner," Modi highlighted that the strengthened bilateral relations have not only enhanced connectivity between India and Bangladesh but have also contributed to the growth of Bangladesh's energy sector and regional connectivity.

Furthermore, he emphasized that a power trade agreement had been established involving India, Bangladesh, and Nepal in recent times. He reiterated that his government's policy of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' extends to other nations as well.

 “This day will go down in golden letters in the history of the Indo-Bangla relationship. Tripura will be the gateway for tourism and transport between India and Bangladesh. With the establishment of the Agartala-Akhaura railway project, the distance between Agartala and Kolkata will now reduce from 1,600 km to 500 km,” Saha said.

He also highlighted Modi's HIRA Model of development (Highways, i-ways, railways, and airways) within the Act East Policy, emphasizing that it will now become a tangible reality with the Indo-Bangla railway connection in operation. Regarding connectivity development in the Northeast region during the BJP regime, Saha noted that 508 railway stations across the country are being revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, with 91 of these stations undergoing redevelopment in Northeast India.

"Foundation stones have been laid for redeveloping these 91 stations at an expenditure of Rs 5,100 crore. The Dharmanagar, Udaipur, and Kumarghat railway stations are being redeveloped at Rs 96.6 crore under this scheme, while the Agartala station is being developed under the World Class Station Scheme at Rs 235.45 crore. New escalators and, most importantly, new trains are being introduced," said Saha. He added that the modernization of railway services has greatly benefited transportation, tourism, and trade.

"Since Prime Minister Modi took office in Delhi, Tripura has seen a transformation in railway connectivity. Broad-Gauge railway services began in Tripura in 2016, with the Purvottar Sampark Kranti Express as the inaugural train. Tripura now boasts 19 operating trains, including 13 express trains, five DEMU trains, and one local train between Agartala and Dharmanagar," Saha highlighted.

Saha expressed gratitude to Modi, Hasina, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the Indo-Bangla railway connectivity, emphasizing its potential to enhance bilateral relations. IRCON, a PSU under the Indian Railways, completed the Indian portion of the Agartala-Akhaura project, while Texmaco executed the work on the Bangladeshi side. A total of 86.85 acres of land was acquired for the project on the Indian side and handed over to IRCON.

Image source: ANI