India, Bangladesh strengthen ties with joint inauguration of 3 projects

In a joint virtual ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina unveiled three significant development projects. These projects, which include the Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, the Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line, and Unit-II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Rampal, Bangladesh, mark a crucial step in enhancing the partnership between the two nations.The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, spanning 12.24 km with a dual gauge rail line of 6.78 km in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura, was completed with a Government of India grant assistance of Rs 3.92 billion. Meanwhile, the Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line Project, with a total project cost of $388.92 million under India's concessional Line of Credit, established a 65 km broad gauge rail route connecting Mongla Port to the existing rail network in Khulna. Furthermore, the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, financed through an Indian Concessional Financing Scheme loan of 1.6 billion US dollars, is a 1320 MW Super Thermal Power Plant located in Rampal, Khulna Division of Bangladesh. This project, a joint venture between India's NTPC and Bangladesh Power Development Board, signifies a monumental leap towards bolstering connectivity and energy security in the region.During the inauguration, both leaders expressed gratitude for the enduring friendship and cooperation between their countries. Sheikh Hasina acknowledged PM Modi's warm hospitality during her visit to attend the G20 Summit in September 2023, emphasising the strength of their nations' bond. Additionally, she conveyed her heartfelt Diwali greetings to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, further underlining the warmth and goodwill between the two neighbouring nations.