India-Bangladesh Rail Expected To Be Inaugurated During G20 Summit
The much awaited rail connectivity between Bangladesh and India, starting at Akhaura in Bangladesh and Agartala in India, is scheduled to be virtually inaugurated during the forthcoming G20 Summit, scheduled between 9 to 10 September.
With the support of an international immigration station at Nischintapur, the 15.064 km-long railway project will create a crucial link from Akhaura to the fringes of Agartala, covering 5.05 km in India and 10.014 km in Bangladesh.
According to reports, the successful completion of a trial locomotive run on the Akhaura-Agartala railway line demonstrates India and Bangladesh's commitment to operating this vital cross-border connection.
The Akhaura-Agartala Railway Link was built by the North East Frontier Railways with funding from Indian grants. The ongoing building of this rail link, which is a component of a bigger project expected to cost Rs 862.58 crore and intended to connect Bangladesh with India's Tripura, has been allocated Rs 153.84 crore by the Railway Ministry.
The inclusion of this railway link within the framework of 16 designated transit routes, which allows for seamless cargo transportation between the Chattogram or Mongla ports and several Indian states, increases the significance of the connection.
It is expected that the Agartala-Akhaura line will stimulate trade and raise the standard of living in bordering areas.
The programme closely coincides with India and Bangladesh's shared objective to improve bilateral connectivity and promote economic cooperation.
India's recent statement on the creation of 16 new border haats, in addition to the existing eight, with the purpose of enhancing trade exchanges among border towns, serves as an example of this emphasis on strengthened ties. Further demonstrating their commitment to greater economic cooperation, both countries are actively pursuing discussions regarding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
