In a bid to improve the cross-border rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, are set to jointly inaugurate a significant cross-border railway initiative on Wednesday (November 1).
According to the officials, the two prime ministers of neighboring nations will inaugurate the Agartala-Akhaura Cross Border Rail Link Project in a virtual ceremony tomorrow at 11 am.
About Agartala-Akhaura Cross Border Rail Link Project
This 15-kilometer rail link, consisting of 5 kilometers in India and 10 kilometers in Bangladesh, is anticipated to enhance cross-border trade and notably reduce travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka.
The successful completion of the trial run for the project was achieved on Monday, as a locomotive engine, accompanied by four wagons, entered Tripura, making a stop at the newly constructed railway station in Nischintapur.
The rail link features a major bridge and three minor bridges. Currently, the journey from Agartala to Kolkata by train takes approximately 31 hours, but with this new rail link in operation, the travel time is expected to be reduced to just 10 hours, as confirmed by an official.
The Indian Railways allocated Rs 153.84 crore from its budget to expedite the project’s progress.