New Delhi/Dhaka: In a significant move to strengthen ties and enhance regional connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, came together to strengthening ties. India and Bangladesh inaugurate vital development projects during a virtual ceremony on November 1. These projects, which underline the growing partnership between the two nations, are set to boost connectivity and energy security in the region.
India and Bangladesh Inaugurate Vital Development Projects, Strengthening Connectivity and Energy Security
1. Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link:
One of the key initiatives is the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, which spans a length of 12.24 km and includes a dual gauge rail line of 6.78 km in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in India’s northeastern state of Tripura. This project, implemented with an Indian grant of ₹392.52 crore, reopens cross-border rail connections that had been closed since the 1965 war with Pakistan. It signifies a significant step towards strengthening connectivity between Bangladesh and India’s strategic northeastern region.
2. Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line:
Another milestone is the Khulna-Mongla port rail line project, with a total cost of $388.92 million. It has been built with a concessional line of credit extended by the Indian government. This project involves the construction of a broad gauge rail link of about 65 km between Mongla port and the existing rail network in the Khulna region of Bangladesh. The completion of this rail line connects Mongla, the second largest port of Bangladesh, to the country’s broad-gauge railway network, facilitating efficient transportation of goods.
3. Unit II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant:
Lastly, the Maitree super thermal power plant, located in Rampal in the Khulna division of Bangladesh, is set to play a crucial role in enhancing energy security. This 1,320 MW plant is being constructed under an Indian concessional financing scheme loan of $1.6 billion. It is a joint venture between India’s NTPCL and the Bangladesh Power Development Board, with Unit I having been inaugurated in September 2022. The addition of Unit II is expected to significantly bolster Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure.
These projects exemplify the commitment of both nations to fostering stronger ties and regional development. India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy has facilitated numerous development initiatives in Bangladesh, aimed at enhancing connectivity and energy security. The recent decision by the Bangladesh government to allow transit and trans-shipment of cargo from West Bengal to the northeastern states via Chattogram and Mongla ports further underscores the importance of these projects in facilitating smoother trade and reducing transportation costs.
In conclusion, the joint inauguration of these three projects not only deepens the India-Bangladesh partnership but also holds great promise for the region’s connectivity and energy needs. These developments serve as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and fostering growth and development in the Indo-Bangladesh region.