On Wednesday, a momentous occasion unfolded as India and Bangladesh jointly inaugurated three significant infrastructure and energy projects, marking a significant step forward in their collaborative efforts. These projects include the historic Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla port rail line, and Unit II of the Maitree super thermal power plant. The ceremony was held virtually and saw the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. Notably, India has become Bangladesh’s largest development partner under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, with a portfolio of nearly $10 billion comprising grants and concessional loans. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi underscored the pivotal role of infrastructure and connectivity in fulfilling the aspirations of their respective peoples. Over the past nine years, both nations have collaboratively launched new bus and rail services, immigration check posts, and container and parcel trains, showcasing their commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Akhaura-Agartala rail link stands out as a historic milestone, as it connects India’s northeastern states to Bangladesh by rail for the first time. This connection not only enhances the connectivity between Bangladesh’s Chattogram port and the northeastern regions but also promotes trade and tourism. The railway line spans 12.24 km, with 5.46 km on the Indian side in Tripura and 6.78 km in Bangladesh’s Akhaura upazila, Bahmanbaria district. The project, which had its Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2013, began with an initial budget of Rs 972.52 crore in 2016, with Rs 580 crore allocated for the Indian segment and Rs 392.52 crore for the Bangladeshi part. However, due to cost escalations and additional expenses, the budget underwent two revisions, resulting in a final estimated project cost of Rs 1,255.1 crore, with Rs 862.58 crore designated for the Indian section alone. Financially, the project is supported by the Government of India. The Ministry for Development of North East Region (DoNER) oversees funding for the Indian portion, while the Ministry of External Affairs manages expenses for the Bangladesh side. The Indian Railway Construction International Limited, a public sector undertaking of the Indian Railways, was responsible for the construction on the Indian side, while Texmaco implemented the project on the Bangladeshi side. A total of 86.85 acres of land was acquired for the project on the Indian side and subsequently transferred to IRCON.
The Khulna-Mongla port rail line is another vital development, costing $380 million. It links Bangladesh’s second-largest port to its rail network and establishes a connection with India through the Petrapole cross-border rail link. Additionally, the Maitree super thermal power project, funded by India, aims to address the energy needs of southern Bangladesh while enhancing energy security in the region. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the resolution of long-standing border agreements and the enhancement of inland waterways, which played a vital role, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when medical oxygen was transported to Bangladesh. This collaborative effort aligns with the vision of “Shonar (golden) Bangladesh,” as set by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of the country.
Prime Minister Hasina highlighted her government’s endeavours to enhance connectivity and trade with India’s northeastern states. She mentioned that Chattogram and Mongla sea ports and Chattogram airport have been opened for use by India. A rail service has been launched on the strategic Padma bridge, and a new tunnel under the Kornophuli River is set to increase the capacity of Chattogram port. This collaboration has contributed to peace and stability in India’s northeastern region, demonstrating the positive impact of good relations between neighbours.
Future implications of the projects:
The joint inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla port rail line, and Unit II of the Maitree super thermal power plant between India and Bangladesh holds several future implications. It will for sure enhance the regional connectivity. The Akhaura-Agartala rail link, in particular, will not only facilitate easier transportation of goods and people but also open new avenues for trade and tourism between India’s northeastern states and Bangladesh. This improved connectivity can lead to economic growth and increased cultural exchange in the region. The Khulna-Mongla port rail line provides direct access to Bangladesh’s second-largest port, further streamlining trade between the two nations. This is likely to increase the volume of goods exchanged and encourage economic growth in both countries. Additionally, the cross-border rail link will reduce transportation costs and promote trade efficiency. The Maitree super thermal power plant is crucial for addressing Bangladesh’s growing energy needs. It is expected to contribute to energy security in the region, reduce power shortages, and support industrial and economic development in southern Bangladesh. This will likely have a positive impact on the business environment and investment opportunities in the region. The successful execution of these projects strengthens the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. It underscores their ability to collaborate on ambitious infrastructure initiatives and highlights the countries’ commitment to promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region. This cooperative spirit is likely to lead to further joint ventures and collaborative projects in the future. The projects have geopolitical significance, as they strengthen India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy by fostering positive relations with Bangladesh. This, in turn, can have a stabilizing effect on the region, encouraging other neighbouring countries to engage in similar cooperative efforts. It may also enhance India’s standing in regional and international forums. These projects demonstrate the power of international cooperation in achieving shared goals and aspirations.
Sharanpreet Kaur in an Assisted Professor of International Relations at School of Social Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. She has done her Masters in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and her core area of research is Indo-US Nuclear and Defence Cooperation. She is the author of the book “India’s Soft Power Diplomacy: Prospects, Challenges and the Way Forward”. She usually writes on matters related to India’s foreign policy, global issues, politics of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia.