"PM Modi and PM Hasina Expected to Virtually Inaugurate Two Railway Projects and Mega Power Plant"

In an anticipated development, both Prime Ministers, Narendra Modi of India and Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, are set to jointly inaugurate several significant projects virtually. Among these endeavors are the Maitree Super Thermal Power project in Bangladesh's Khulna division, boasting a capacity of 1320 MW, the 15.064 km Akhaura-Agartala railway link project connecting Bangladesh and India, and the 86.87 km Khulna-Mongla port rail line project.

The Akhaura-Agartala railway line, spanning 5.05 km in India and 10.014 km in Bangladesh, is poised to link Bangladesh's Akhaura railway station to an international immigration station at Nischintapur in western Tripura. This project, funded by India, is under the purview of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and holds a significant role in regional connectivity.

The Agartala-Akhaura railway project, designed to accommodate both passengers and goods interchange between the two countries, is expected to greatly facilitate travel for residents of northeastern states, particularly Tripura, Assam, and Mizoram. This rail link will offer a direct route to Kolkata, significantly reducing travel time by 22 hours. Presently, residents in these regions rely on a much longer route via Guwahati, which takes over 38 hours.

On a separate note, the Maitree Super Thermal Power project, with a substantial 1320 MW generation capacity, has been under construction in Rampal. Comprising two units of 560 MW each, this project was facilitated through concessional financing from India and executed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). It operates under the aegis of the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Private Ltd (BIFPCL), a 50:50 Joint Venture Company established between India's National Thermal Power Company Limited (NTPC) and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

The inauguration of these projects signifies a significant step forward in enhancing bilateral cooperation and regional connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

ET