India’s Deputy High Commissioner reviews progress of joint projects with Bangladesh

ANI
AGARTALA, OCTOBER 8

INDIA’S Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka, Sandeep Chakravorty, reviewed the progress of a couple of collaborative projects between India and Bangladesh during his three-day visit to Tripura.
Chakravorty said the work to supply 100 MW power from Tripura’s Palatana power project to Bangladesh is progressing fast.
“As you know, the government has decided to sell 100 MW power from the Palatana Power Project to Bangladesh and in this context I have come to meet the minister and we discussed in detail about the project. We also talked about the construction of railway track from Akhaura to Agartala,” said Chakravorty after meeting Tripura Power Minister Manik Dey in Agartala on Tuesday.
“We talked about the works to be done both by India and Bangladesh in this issue. The Indian Government has given emphasis on connectivity,” he added.Chakravorty said the Prime Ministers of both nations had earlier stressed on developing multi-model connectivity within the region, which is vital for development, and hence India and Bangladesh have decided to improve connectivity via road, train and waterways.
Chakravorty further said the key to development and prosperity of Tripura is through Bangladesh, and added that the Government of India has taken many initiatives in this regard.
India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka also said the Agartala-Akhaura rail link is in an advance stage of preparation.
The Bangladesh Government is preparing the detailed project report which should be completed in a couple of weeks and as soon as it is ready the project work will start and preparatory works on both sides are already done.
On the use of Ashuganj inland container port, Chakravorty informed that the project report for its development is ready and work is going to start soon.
The government is most likely to bear the cost of development of the port at Ashuganj and WAPCOS (Water, Power Consultancy Services Limited) is looking into the matter.
On the growing business between India and Bangladesh and especially Bangladeshi investment in northeast, Chakravorty informed that there are positive signs from both the sides.
He added as far as business is concerned, lots of exports are being done from Bangladesh to Tripura and there are investments also coming into Tripura. The business community in Bangladesh is very upbeat on business ties with Tripura and particularly with the launch of the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the Bangladeshi investors are being encouraged to invest in northeast.
He also added that recently Bangladesh has announced a special economic zone for Indian investors which will surely attract businessman there.
Chakravorty will be visiting Sabroom and Ramghar land customs centre, proposed bridge on river Feni and the Palatana power project.