Bangladesh and India have achieved a significant milestone in cross-border connectivity by opening the Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link.

This 12.24 km railway line, primarily in Bangladesh, connects Akhaura in Bangladesh to Agartala in India, facilitating transportation and connectivity in the northeastern regions of both countries.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, along with two other India-assisted development projects, through a virtual event on Wednesday.

Among the significant projects, one is the 65 km railway connecting Khulna to Mongla port, which aims to enhance the efficiency of transporting goods to the port. Its primary objectives are to facilitate cost-effective transportation of goods from Mongla port domestically, enhance trade connections with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and promote regional economic development.

Additionally, the inauguration also included the second unit of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat’s Rampal, which will contribute 660 MW of electricity to the national grid.

The construction of the Akhaura-Agartala railway line, which began in July 2018, incurred a cost of approximately Tk 2.41 billion. This investment is roughly equivalent to around $21.8 million in USD.

Initially, cargo trains will commence operations, with passenger train services to be introduced at a later stage.