Indo-Bangla rail link

Railway Ministry deserves kudos for deciding to establish rail link between Agartala and Akhaura in Bangladesh.  Of the 15.06 km long track of the proposed rail link, 10 kms fall in Bangladesh territory while the remaining falls on our side. Indian Government has agreed to extend financial support to Bangladesh for acquisition of land for the track. In all, it has sanctioned 1000 core rupees for the project. This connectivity will give boost to trade and economic relations between the two countries. Incidentally, according to a report, it will shorten the distance between Agartala and Kolkata from 1,650 km to 515 km and difficult hilly terrain could be avoided.
Actually, this was agreed upon during the recent visit of Prime Minister Modi to Bangladesh and talks with the Prime Minister there. This small rail track is an eloquent proof of India’s urge to have good neighbourly relations with Bangladesh and other countries. Modi demonstrated a gesture of good will towards SAARC on the first day when he was sworn in as the new Prime Minister. India has to play a key role in the SAARC because of her size, population, resources and human resource. India wants to extend friendly hand to all neighbouring countries so that big projects of development, trade and commerce are undertaken. India’s contribution in alleviating poverty, illiteracy and backwardness in the entire region has to be vital. A good start is made by declaring willingness to establish the rail link with Bangladesh through the corridor. The year 2017 has been fixed as the year of its completion and IRCON would undertake the project as it has the experience of building railways in Bangladesh.
The project, when completed, may usher in a new chapter in Indo-Bangladesh relations. However, at present, their relations are cordial but steps like the laying of the rail-connecting link will go a long way in making the relations more abiding. It will be remembered that Bangladesh has expressed its desire of cooperating fully with India in eradicating the menace of terrorism lock, stock and barrel. Our relations are improving fast and a day is not far off when Pakistani terrorist moles in Bangladesh will be liquidated.

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