India Proposes Rail Routes Through Bangladesh in a bid to enhance regional connectivity, planning 14 new rail lines linking India with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

This initiative aims to revive historic routes and create new pathways, boosting trade and diplomatic ties. Key proposals include a 32-kilometer line from Balurghat to several points in Bangladesh, and a 250-kilometer network linking Balurghat to Mahendraganj Tura.

Other plans involve connecting Tripura to Chattogram and new lines from Gede border to Agartala via several significant routes.

Historically, India and Bangladesh shared rail connectivity through eight points before the 1947 partition, which were shut down during the Pakistani period.

Efforts to revive these routes resumed after Bangladesh’s independence, with recent developments like the trial runs on the Agartala-Akhaura route nearing commercial service.

Sabyasachi Dey, Chief Public Relations Officer of India’s North Eastern Railway, provided details about these proposed routes, highlighting plans for new construction and refurbishments.

India’s broader strategy includes integrating more regions and enhancing economic activities through improved transport infrastructure.

The proposals have been presented to Bangladesh, with Delhi emphasizing the benefits of enhanced connectivity. Historic routes such as Haldibari-Chilahati and Agartala-Akhaura are also slated for revival, reflecting India’s commitment to regional cooperation and economic integration.

These initiatives aim to ease the movement of goods and people, reduce travel time, and lower transportation costs, boosting trade and economic activities. India’s strategic vision of improving connectivity through these new rail routes underscores its dedication to fostering mutual growth and strengthening diplomatic ties in South Asia. As these projects progress, they promise to transform the regional connectivity landscape, providing robust infrastructure for future generations.

Source: Somoy News