PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina inaugurate Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link: Know all about the project here

In a significant step towards enhancing cross-border connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the Agartala-Akhaura Cross-Border Rail Link on Wednesday, November 1 via video conferencing.

Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link project

The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, a testament to India's commitment to bolstering regional ties, has been executed with the support of a Government of India grant assistance of Rs 392.52 crore extended to Bangladesh. The rail link, spanning 12.24 km, comprises a 6.78 km Dual Gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura. This ambitious project is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating cross-border trade and significantly reducing travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka. A trial run of the project was successfully conducted on Monday, marking a significant milestone.

The Agartala-Akhaura Cross-Border Rail Link encompasses one major bridge and three minor bridges, further underlining its strategic importance from both international and domestic perspectives. Currently, the rail route from Agartala to Kolkata spans approximately 1500 kilometres and takes about 31 hours to traverse. However, with the completion of this project, the travel time is set to be reduced dramatically to just 10 hours, covering a distance of approximately 500 km.

An official involved in the project emphasized the transformative impact of this development, stating, "At present, it takes about 31 hours to reach Kolkata from Agartala by train, which will be reduced to just 10 hours." Furthermore, the Indian Railways allocated Rs 153.84 crore from its budget to expedite the project's progress.

In addition to this, both PMs will also inaugurate the Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line Project, supported by the Government of India's concessional Line of Credit, which is poised to bring about a sea change in connectivity and trade. This project, with a total estimated cost of USD 388.92 million, entails the construction of approximately 65 kilometres of broad gauge rail route linking Mongla Port with the existing rail network in Khulna. As a result, Mongla, the second-largest port in Bangladesh, will seamlessly connect with the broad-gauge railway network, opening new avenues for economic growth and regional integration. 

Both leaders will also inaugurate the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project. “The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project under Indian Concessional Financing Scheme loan of USD 1.6 billion, is a 1320 MW (2x660) Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) located in Rampal in Khulna Division of Bangladesh. The project has been implemented by the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Private) Limited (BIFPCL), which is a 50:50 Joint Venture company between India's NTPC Ltd and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). Unit I of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant was unveiled jointly by both Prime Ministers in September 2022 and Unit 2 will be inaugurated on 1 November 2023. The operationalization of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant will enhance energy security in Bangladesh. These projects will strengthen connectivity and energy security in the region,” the official press release stated.