01-Nov-2023-Editorial

AKHAURA-AGARTALA RAIL LINK TO BE INAUGURATED VIRTUALLY BY PM MODI, SHEIKH HASINA TODAY

India and Bangladesh are set to inaugurate three significant developmental projects that have been executed with Indian assistance. The projects aim to bolster connectivity and energy security in the region.

Projects Inauguration Details:

Akhaura – Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link:

Executed with a Government of India grant assistance of INR 392.52 crore provided to Bangladesh.

Spans 12.24 km with 6.78 km Dual Gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura.

Khulna – Mongla Port Rail Line:

Developed under a Government of India concessional Line of Credit.

Involves the construction of approximately 65 km broad gauge rail route connecting Mongla Port to Khulna’s existing rail network.

Unit – II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant:

Under Indian Concessional Financing Scheme loan of USD 1.6 billion, operated as a 1320 MW (2×660) Super Thermal Power Plant in Rampal, Khulna Division, Bangladesh.

The project has been handled by the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Private) Limited, a joint venture between India’s NTPC Ltd and Bangladesh Power Development Board.

Benefits and Impact:

Connectivity Improvement:

The Akhaura – Agartala and Khulna – Mongla Port rail lines will significantly enhance rail connectivity in the region.

Mongla Port’s connection to the broad-gauge railway network is a pivotal development.

Energy Security Enhancement:

The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant’s operationalization will notably fortify energy security in Bangladesh.

The joint venture between India and Bangladesh contributes to a robust bilateral relationship in energy development.

What are Cooperation Areas between India and Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh share a comprehensive relationship, fostering cooperation across various sectors, from trade and infrastructure to cultural ties and defence.

Economic and Commercial Ties:

Bilateral trade has surged, making Bangladesh India’s largest trade partner in South Asia.

Bangladesh’s exports have tripled in the last decade, surpassing $1 billion in 2018-19.

Connectivity Initiatives:

Efforts have been made to restore pre-1965 rail links, inaugurating the Chilahati-Haldibari rail connection in 2021.

Increased frequency of passenger trains, such as Maitree Express and Bandhan Express, enhances people-to-people contact.

The Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link provides a crucial connectivity boost from India’s northeastern region to Bangladesh.

Development Partnerships:

India has extended significant Lines of Credit totaling US$ 8 billion since 2010 for Bangladesh’s infrastructure development in various sectors.

Human Resource Development:

India’s training programs and scholarships in Bangladesh include the ongoing training of Bangladesh Civil Service officials at NCGG, Mussoorie.

Cultural Collaboration:

Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka conducts training programs in Yoga, Kathak, Manipuri dance, Hindi language, and Hindustani classical music, fostering cultural exchanges.

Defense Cooperation and Countering Influence:

High-level defense exchanges such as India-Bangladesh CORPAT, regional Coast Guard meetings, and Annual Defense Dialogues fortify defense cooperation and help counter the influence of external forces, including China.

Water Sharing:

Agreements such as the Kushiyara Pact ensure the shared management of transboundary rivers, enhancing bilateral water-sharing agreements.

Conclusion:

The inauguration of these three projects, involving cross-border rail connectivity and a significant power plant, demonstrates the deepening partnership between India and Bangladesh in the realms of infrastructure and energy. These initiatives underscore the commitment to fostering stronger connectivity and reinforcing energy security in the region, setting a solid foundation for future collaborations.