Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the train in
the presence Bangladesh Railways Minister Md. Mazibul Hoque.
Suresh.
Prabhu and Mr. Hoque also laid foundation stone of India–Bangladesh
Board Gauge Rail link between Agartala and Akhaura in Bangladesh, in the
historic event overseen by Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Chief
Minister Manik Sarkar, MoS for Railways Rajen Gohain, host of Tripura
State ministers and top rail officials of both countries.
Thousands
of people gathered at Agartala railway station to witness the event.
Railway ministers of both countries spoke at length about existing
friendly relations between India and Bangladesh, and felt need of more
cooperation that can benefit trade, commerce and tourism.
“I am inviting
Md Mazibul Hoque to New Delhi for
further deliberations on mutually
beneficial issues”, Suresh Prabhu stated.
He said
Bangladesh would be convinced to reopen the British era rail link
between Belonia in south Tripura and Feni in southeast Bangladesh.
Ministers and MPs of Tripura were insisting of reviving pre independence
rail connectivity across the border.
The ambitious India–Bangladesh rail project was mooted
in 2012 and both countries signed a MoU in February 2013 to create
15.06km line of which 10km falls in Bangladesh.
India
would bear entire expenditure for Rs.968 crore estimated project.
Rs.148 crore has been allocated in 2015–16 Budget of the union
government.
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