On November 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will jointly inaugurate the Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project. This significant infrastructure development aims to enhance cross-border trade and dramatically reduce travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka.
Successful Trial Run
The trial run of the project was successfully conducted, with a locomotive engine attached to four wagons entering Tripura and stopping at Nischintapur, a newly constructed railway station.
Significance of the Project
This 15-kilometer rail link (5 kilometers in India and 10 kilometers in Bangladesh) will significantly reduce the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka.Currently, the rail journey from Agartala to Kolkata spans around 1600 kilometers and takes 38 hours. After the rail link opens, the travel time will be reduced to approximately 10 hours.The rail link will facilitate the transportation of goods trains to the northeastern region via Bangladesh, resulting in lower transportation costs.It will provide a direct connection between landlocked northeastern India and Chittagong port in Bangladesh.
Project Initiation
The project was sanctioned during the 2012-13 fiscal year, with the foundation stone for the Agartala-Akhaura rail link laid in July 2016. The project includes one major bridge and three minor bridges.
Cost and Delays
The construction of the Indo-Bangla international railway link through the Agartala-Akhaura route has incurred a cost of Rs 862.5 crore so far.The project faced delays due to land acquisition issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.Goods trains are set to begin operations shortly, but passenger trains require additional formalities to be observed by the Indian Railways and the Bangladesh Railway Board.
Road Connectivity
Tripura shares an 856-kilometer-long international border with Bangladesh, with certain sections remaining unfenced due to local disputes. The state’s sole road connection to the rest of the country is through Assam and a narrow corridor in West Bengal’s Siliguri.
Historical Connection
Akhaura served as the railway link for Agartala during the colonial era.The Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project holds great potential for enhancing regional connectivity, trade, and economic growth, while also contributing to strengthened bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.