The Prime Minister has recently inaugurated the Bharat Bangla Maitri Bridge, also known as the Maitri Setu Bridge, in Tripura’s Southern District. The inauguration of this bridge marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.
About the Bharat Bangla Maitri Bridge
Constructed over the Feni river, which flows between the Indian boundary in the state of Tripura and Bangladesh, the Maitri Setu Bridge spans 1.9 kilometers. The river originates in South Tripura district and flows through the town of Sabroom on the Indian side, eventually meeting the Bay of Bengal as it flows into Bangladesh.
The Maitri Setu Bridge connects Sabroom in Tripura with Ramgarh in Bangladesh. Its name, meaning ‘Friendship Bridge’, symbolises the friendly ties and growing bilateral relations between the two nations.
Construction and Cost Details
The bridge was built by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), at a cost of Rs. 133 crore. NHIDCL is a wholly-owned corporation of the government of India. The company is responsible for the development and maintenance of national highways and strategic roads throughout the country.
Significance of the Maitri Setu Bridge
With the inauguration of this bridge, Agartala, the capital of Tripura, is now the closest Indian city to an international sea port. As such, Tripura is set to become the ‘Gateway of North East’ with access to the Chittagong Port of Bangladesh, which is a mere 80 km from Sabroom.
India and Bangladesh have a long-standing protocol on transit and trade through inland waterways. This newly constructed bridge will serve as another trade corridor between the two countries, fostering further growth in Northeastern states.
The Maitri Setu Bridge is also set to enhance people-to-people contact between the nations, building on the friendly ties that have long existed between India and Bangladesh. The construction of this bridge represents not just a significant engineering achievement, but also a symbol of bilateral goodwill and cooperation.
The inauguration of the Bharat Bangla Maitri Bridge in Tripura’s southern district is a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Constructed over the Feni river, the bridge connects Sabroom in Tripura and Ramgarh in Bangladesh, promoting trade and enhancing people-to-people contacts.