Tripura: India-Bangladesh Maitri Setu bridge to boost connectivity and development

Maitri Setu to be operational from September as India-Bangladesh bridge readies to connect Chittagong port to Tripura: CM Dr Manik Saha

Dr Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, revealed on Friday that the India-Bangladesh friendship bridge, known as Maitri Setu, constructed over the Feni river to link Sabroom town in Tripura with Ramghar in Bangladesh, is expected to become operational next month.

Addressing tribal leaders from 19 tribes of the state at Pragya Bhavan in Agartala, during a Consultation Workshop with Pradhan Samajatis of different Tribal Communities of Tripura, the Chief Minister stated that following the bridge’s inauguration, the third integrated check post (ICP) at Sabroom in Tripura will commence operations.

This will facilitate the entry of goods from the Chittagong sea port in Bangladesh through this land port, significantly benefiting the region.

Dr Saha emphasized the preparations for the September inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the upcoming transformation of Tripura into Southeast Asia’s gateway.

He also pointed out the impending special economic zone (SEZ) and in addition the improved train connectivity via Bangladesh, from Agartala which is also likely to be inaugurated by this year would reduce travel time between Tripura and Kolkata to just eight hours.

The Chief Minister expressed his focus on infrastructural development, particularly in tribal areas, as a catalyst for massive investment and overall progress.

He credited Prime Minister Modi for shifting the approach from treating the tribal section as a ‘vote bank’ to emphasizing their holistic development for the betterment of society, the state, and the nation.

Dr Saha revealed that the Tripura cabinet approved an increase in seats within the TTAADC from 28 to 50, ensuring representation from all tribal communities.

He dismissed allegations of fund withholding for TTAADC and outlined a substantial allocation of Rs 5000 crores through 39 line departments for district council development and the local populace.

The Chief Minister cautioned against divisive forces aiming to create communal tensions and promote agendas like Tipraland, asserting that such efforts only serve a few individuals’ interests.

Without naming royal scion and TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Deb Barma, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of maintaining dignity and collaboration among those honoured by the government to work collectively for the state’s development.

With a dedication to providing essential facilities and fostering development, Dr Saha echoed Prime Minister Modi’s vision.

He commended PM Modi for enhancing India’s security and ensuring that adversaries like Pakistan and China no longer dare to pose a threat to the nation’s integrity.

Referring to the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, the Chief Minister of Tripura suggested that a complex conspiracy lies beneath the surface. However, he expressed optimism that this situation would find resolution under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has designated the North East states as India’s ‘Asta Laxmi’.

Urging tribal chiefs to trust the state and central government’s commitment to holistic development, the Chief Minister highlighted that the well-being of the tribal population, constituting around 31 per cent of the population, is integral to the state and nation’s progress.

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