New Delhi: After more than seven decades, Bangladesh and India have finally established a rail link via Tripura in the northeast. The Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve trade between the two countries.
Here are the top 5 key points about the rail link:
1. Currently, the journey from Kolkata to Tripura’s capital Agartala by train takes passengers on a long and circuitous route through northern West Bengal to Guwahati in Assam. The route then turns southwards towards Tripura, resulting in a travel time of approximately 38 hours.
2. With the operational Akhaura-Agartala rail link, trains can now run from Kolkata to Agartala via Bangladesh. Since Bangladesh is located in the middle of the land mass between India’s northeast and the rest of the country, this route offers a more direct and efficient connection. The current bottleneck at the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor in Bengal’s Siliguri will be bypassed.
3. The travel time between Kolkata and Agartala will be reduced to only 12 hours, compared to the previous 38-hour journey. This significant reduction is expected to attract a much larger number of passengers. People who previously avoided traveling on this route due to the long distance will now find it more practical and convenient.
4. The rail link will not only benefit passengers but also boost businesses in the region. Trains will be able to carry heavier and bulkier cargo in larger quantities, allowing for increased trade and economic growth.
5. The total length of the rail link is 12.24 km, with a 6.78 km dual gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura.
The establishment of this rail link marks a major milestone in the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. It is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to both countries, as well as strengthen connectivity and improve people-to-people interactions.
