Matri Setu and Agartala-Akhaura railway link to open soon

Tripura, India’s northeastern state, is on the verge of undergoing a huge transition as two crucial connectivity projects linking it to adjacent Bangladesh are set to go live.

Chief Minister Manik Saha says that the Maitri Setu, which spans the Feni River and connects South Tripura’s Sabroom to Bangladesh’s Ramgarh, and the Agartala-Akhaura train link will be operational very soon.

These projects, which have enormous strategic and economic significance, were jointly inaugurated on March 9, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. The Agartala-Nischintapur phase of the Agartala-Akhaura rail link opened on November 1, 2023. However, despite the ceremonial openings, operationalisation has been delayed due to infrastructural and administrative preparations that must be completed.

Anil Kumar Khandelwal, Member of Infrastructure at the Railway Board, visited the Nischintapur railyard on May 15 to monitor the progress of the Agartala-Akhaura railway project. He said that construction is approaching completion, indicating that rail services will begin soon following bilateral discussions between India and Bangladesh.

These accomplishments highlight India and Bangladesh’s shared commitment to improving regional connectivity and strengthening ties. The implementation of these initiatives is projected to boost economic growth, improve people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen regional integration between the two neighbouring countries. Furthermore, with enhanced connectivity, Tripura is poised to emerge as a vital trade and commercial hub, cementing its position as a gateway to India’s bustling northeast area. As the region excitedly anticipates the start of train service and the opening of the Maitri Setu, expectations are high for the transformative impact these projects will have on Tripura and the larger Indo-Bangladesh relationship.

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