PM Modi and Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina Jointly Inaugurate Key Development Projects Promoting Bilateral Ties

New Delhi, India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated three development projects, signifying a strong partnership between the two countries. The virtual inauguration ceremony marked the commencement of the Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line, and Unit-II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Rampal, Bangladesh.

These projects are aimed at enhancing connectivity and energy security in the region and are expected to further strengthen the bond between India and Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his commitment to strengthening the friendship between the two nations. “The joint inauguration of these important projects manifests the firm friendship and collaboration between our two friendly countries. I would like to thank PM Modi for the warm hospitality during my visit in September 2023 to attend the G20 Summit,” said the Bangladesh Prime Minister.

The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link project was carried out with a Government of India grant assistance of INR 392.52 crore. The rail link extends for 12.24 km, with 6.78 km in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura, India.

The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line Project, valued at USD 388.92 million, was implemented under the Government of India’s concessional Line of Credit. The project includes the construction of a 65 km broad gauge rail route connecting Mongla Port to the existing rail network in Khulna, thus linking the second-largest port in Bangladesh to the broad-gauge railway network.

The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, financed with a loan of 1.6 billion US dollars under the Indian Concessional Financing Scheme, is a 1320 MW Super Thermal Power Plant located in Rampal, Khulna Division of Bangladesh. The project was executed by the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited, a 50:50 Joint Venture between India’s NTPC Ltd and Bangladesh Power Development Board.

Furthermore, Sheikh Hasina extended warm Diwali greetings to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India during the ceremony.

The Bangladesh-India Friendship Dialogue has played a significant role in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries over the past decade. This year’s dialogue, themed “Fostering a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership,” has furthered this collaboration.

In March, both leaders inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, a cross-border energy pipeline that transports High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to seven districts in northern Bangladesh. The pipeline was constructed with the support of the Indian government under grant assistance.

Additionally, in September, the 15th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade (JWG) between India and Bangladesh was held in Dhaka. During this meeting, various bilateral issues, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), were discussed, marking a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between the two nations.