Union Minister of DoNER and Tourism G Kishan Reddy conducted an inspection of the crucial Agartala-Akhaura rail link project and reviewed its progress on Tuesday (April 11). 

 

The project is considered crucial in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of improving connectivity and strengthening bi-lateral relationship between neighbouring countries.

 

Once completed, the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka will be reduced, and the rail link will play a significant role in trade in the region. 

 

During his visit, the Union Minister reviewed the progress of the Nischintapur railway yard and visited the zero point (Indo-Bangladesh Border) of the project, along with officers from various government bodies and executing agencies. Union Minister of State Pratima Bhowmik and the state’s Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury accompanied Reddy.

 

The Agartala-Akhaura Railway Project is an essential part of India’s Look East Policy and would play a vital role in India’s Act East Policy as well. 

 

The project will also enhance connectivity between India and other Southeast Asian countries, promoting trade and people-to-people contact. The rail link will also help in the development of the northeastern states, providing them with better access to the rest of India and the world.

 

Prior to the inspection, the Union Minister virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projects, assuring Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha of all necessary support for the overall development of Tripura. Reddy also stated that he would take up the state’s pending projects with the concerned ministry.

 

The newly-launched projects, including the improvement and upgradation of the road from Udaipur to Melagarh and the expansion of the Longtharai Valley Sub Divisional hospital in Chailengta, would contribute to the state’s growth trajectory.

 

Additionally, Reddy laid the foundation stone for the North Eastern Council’s projects, such as the construction of a school building cum teacher’s training centre at Tripureshwari Shishu Mandir in Ramnagar and the construction of a Skill Development Training Centre in Fulkumari, Udaipur, that would benefit 5000 students and create employment opportunities for Yuba Shakti.

 

After launching the projects, Reddy and the Chief Minister held a review meeting on the implementation status of various projects. The DoNER minister believes that the new projects would accelerate development in the state