ZCZC
BSS-38
PM-MODI-PROJECTS-2 DHAKA
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh-India relationship became a role model for
rest of the world as it enabled the two nations to walk through the path of
mutual prosperity with firm confidence.
“Mutual trust, respect and goodwill have made our relations matured over
the years,” she said also recalling with profound respect the crucial Indian
contribution during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War led by Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Bangladesh premier said in recent years land boundary problem was
solved with unanimous supports of India’s all parliament members proving that
“all people (India) irrespective of party and opinion remain united on any
issue of Bangladesh”.
“We’ve (however) some other problems . . . But I am sure that we will have
many more similar, happy occasions in the days ahead to jointly celebrate
success stories of our collective endeavours,” she added.
The groundbreaking of the two rail projects – one on Akhaura-Agartala rail
route and another on Kulaura-Shahbajpur section of Bangladesh railway — is a
testimony of cooperation, Modi said.
The Indian premier highly appreciated Bangladesh premier’s proposal for
resumption of the pre-1965 rail routes between the two neighbours and added
India wanted to be a “proud partner” on implementing Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina’s Vision 2021 and Vision 2041.
Later the Bangladesh premier exchanged views with the cross section of
people of Akhaura, Bheramara and Kulaura.
Officials familiar with the power sector project said of the 500 MW power
to be imported, 300 MW would come from India’s state-run National Thermal
Power Plant and 200 MW from private Power Trading Corporation of India.
They said with the addition of the 500 MW of electricity, the quantum of
India’s power would stand at 1160 MW.
Currently, Bangladesh imports 660 MW electricity from India, of which 500
MW were added to the national grid in Bheramara of Kushtia from Baharampur of
India’s West Bengal state, while 160 MW were added to the national grid in
Cumilla from India’s Tripura.
Railway officials, on the other hand, said the rehabilitation of 53
kilometre long Kulaura-Shahbazpur section would be completed at a cost of Tk
678 crore 51 lakh. Of the total amount, Taka 555 crore 99 lakh would be
provided by India under its Line of Credit (LoC).
The total mainline will be 44.77 km, while the 7.77 kilometre long loop
line will be renovated. The project incorporated the construction of a
bridge, passenger platform, platform shed, Customs and Immigration facility,
and other infrastructures. Some 477 crore 82 lakh taka would be spent for
implementation of the project and of the amount, The India would provide taka
420 crore 76 lakh, while Bangladesh government would give 57 crore five lakh
taka.
The Bangladesh part of Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the rehabilitation
of Kulaura-Shahbazpur section would be implemented under India’s one billion
dollar LoC.
After commissioning of the railway lines, the officials said, Bangladesh-
India rail connectivity would be strengthened and it will also boost economic
cooperation between the two neighbours.
BSS/SH/AR/1942 HRS