New Delhi, Mar 9
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Maitri’ bridge over the Feni river in Tripura and connecting Bangladesh, and said the connectivity would not only strengthen friendship between the two neighbours but also help promote business betwen the two sides.
The 1.9 km long two-lane bridge links Sabroom with Ramgarh in Bangladesh and connects the Chittagong sea port.
The prime minister said the bridge along with other rail and water connectivity projects, will improve connectivity of south Assam, Mizoram and Manipur along with Tripura with Bangladesh and Southeast Asia.
Mr Modi said that the entire region is being developed as a trade corridor between Northeast India and Bangladesh.
He thanked the Bangladesh Government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the cooperation in completing of the project.
Shekhi Hasina in a video message said the bridge will give an impetus to the economic opportunity in South Asia.
‘Political boundaries should not become physical barriers for trade,’ she said, adding that the bridge will help Bangladesh’s trade with Nepal and Bhutan.
Hasina said Bangladesh is ready to maximise its locational advantage as a connectivity hub between South and Southeast Asia.
“We believe the cross-border transport systems that Bangladesh is developing with India is an important step in this regard and will enable us to play an important role in regional trade and commerce,” she said.
She remembered Tripura’s contribution in the Bangladesh Liberation War and said that Bangladesh has not forgotten the contribution of India, especially Tripura during their freedom struggle.
The Bangladesh premier noted that the opening of Maitri Setu on the year of 50th independence anniversary of the country would strengthen its bilateral relations and encourage foreign investment in her country.
“In 2010, the then Chief Minister of Tripura had requested me for the construction of a bridge over River Feni and we acted positively. After a decade, today, it has become a reality. The bridge would not only ease the access to Chittagong port, Chittagong international airport for travel for the people of Tripura and the northeast, which will be beneficial for trade, commerce and development of tourism,” Hasina said.
She said Bangladesh government has allowed India to use Chittagong sea port for international shipping and Mongla river port for handling and transporting goods from other parts of the country to Tripura.
Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh wishes that Nepal and Bhutan also can get access to Chittagong sea port by using the facilities available in northeast India.
“Bangladesh wants to grow together with all its neighbours and strengthen relationship to build a vibrant economy in the region with India’s support,” Hasina said.