The story so far: On November 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the rail link between Agartala and Akhaura (in Bangladesh). It serves to re-establish connectivity between Bangladesh and India’s northeast through Tripura. “Through this link, States of northeast India can also be connected to ports of Bangladesh,” Mr Modi stated. Bangladeshi PM Ms. Hasina too highlighted that the long-awaited project would help energise connectivity and commerce in India’s northeast and Bangladesh.
What is the rail link about?
The 12.24 km long rail line constituting of about 6.78 km dual gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura, would link the latter to Akhaura in its immediate neighbourhood and thereby, its broader rail network. Nischintapur in West Tripura would serve as the international immigration station, that is, provide facilities to process immigration-related scrutiny for passengers. Additionally, in September, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) had declared Nischintapur as a Land Customs Station (LCS). It refers to any notified place meant for the clearance of goods imported or to be exported by land or inland water.
