Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several infrastructure projects in Tripura, along with the inauguration of ‘Maitri Setu’ on the river Feni between India and Bangladesh. The bridge provides connectivity to the whole of North-east India with a sea port. In this light, let us know the significance of this bridge.
Agartala becomes the nearest city of the country to an international seaport
The Prime Minister said that with the opening of this Bridge, Agartala has become the nearest city of India to the international seaport. He said, “The Maitri Setu between India and Bangladesh is not only strengthening friendship but it is also proving to be a strong link for trade.”
This entire region is being developed as a trade corridor between Northeast India and Bangladesh. Modi said that this would further increase the connectivity of Tripura as well as southern Assam, Mizoram and Manipur with Bangladesh and South East Asia.
The Prime Minister said that this bridge will increase the opportunities for development in Bangladesh as well. He thanked the Government of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for supporting the completion of this bridge project.
Political boundaries should not be a hindrance to trade: Hasina
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the political boundaries in the region should not become a barrier to trade. This bridge will accelerate Bangladesh’s trade with Nepal and Bhutan and will expand the activities in the region. Hasina said, “It is a historic moment, of course. We are beginning a new round of connectivity in South Asia.”She said that there is a lot of scope for expansion in the region.
Maitri Setu costs 133 crores
The Feni river flows between the border in Tripura and Bangladesh. Maitri Setu has been constructed by National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. It has cost Rs 133 crore. The 1.9-km bridge connects Sabroom in India to Ramgarh in Bangladesh. This will increase trade and interaction between the two countries.
Tripura has become the gateway for the Northeast to reach the Chattogram port of Bangladesh through the Maitri Setu. It is only 80 km from Sabroom.