PR
Agartala, May 13, 2019: Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Monday met the Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das at Agartala. During this meeting, a wide range of subjects were discussed pertaining to the progress of projects being undertaken on Tripura-Bangladesh border.
Among other issues discussed, three key issues that were brought forth during the discussion were:
Expediting the work of Inland Waterways between India and Bangladesh
The unprecedented focus of PM Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb Government on developing Tripura as the Gateway of North East lays emphasis on developing robust waterway connecting to Tripura through Bangladesh.
Both the dignitaries were of the opinion that the work on the same needs to be completed as per prescribed time limit and the same must be taken up with Bangladesh Government accordingly. 2. Furthering the Agartala-Akhaura Rail Project
The Agartala-Akhaura Rail project work is a significant component of the Hira model of development envisaged by PM Modi for development of Tripura as the logistical hub of entire North East region.
The High Commissioner apprised the Chief Minister that all concerns with regards to the completion deadlines of the work shall be duly taken up with Bangladesh Government and the all important rail project work shall finish as per the set time limit of completion.
Ease of Travel for Bangladeshi Passport Holders from Tripura
Currently, a large number of Bangladeshi citizens come to India through Akhaura route and undertake journey to Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other parts of the country for medical tourism, and various business and tourism related activities.
Under current scenario, there is a compulsion for those Bangladeshi Nationals who enter through Akhaura route to return from the same route and they cannot exit from India from any other port such as Delhi or Kolkata or Bengaluru.
This causes severe inconvenience for the passengers and makes it less viable for them to undertake their journeys through Tripura.
Tripura's geographic location in such a scenario is not optimally utilised and the benefits of 'economics of externalities' is not received which plays an important role in boosting local trade, tourism and commerce in the state.