Daily Current Affairs : 2-November-2023

In a significant development, the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh jointly inaugurated the Agartala-Akhaura rail link, connecting Northeast India with Bangladesh. This project holds immense importance for both countries, fostering stronger ties and paving the way for enhanced trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Key Details
  • The Agartala-Akhaura railway line spans 12.24 kilometers, with 5.46 kilometers in Tripura, India, and 6.78 kilometers in Akhaura upa-zilla, Bangladesh.
  • The project’s total cost is estimated at Rs 1255.10 crore, with India funding the entire project.
  • The railway link will drastically reduce travel time between Agartala and Kolkata from 31 hours to a mere 10 hours.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties:Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link Inauguration: What You Should Know
Courtesy:The Indian Express
Funding and Implementation
  • The project, initiated in 2013, received Rs 972.52 crore in funding.
  • The Ministry for Development of North East Region (DoNER) funded the Indian side, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provided ‘Aid to Bangladesh’ for their side.
  • Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON) handled the Indian portion, while Texmaco, a private Indian firm, managed the work in Bangladesh.
Significance for Tripura
  • For Tripura, a land-locked state, this connectivity project is of paramount practical importance.
  • The distance between Agartala and Kolkata will be reduced from 1600 km to 500 km, offering economic benefits and ease of travel.
  • Tripura shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh, emphasizing the emotional significance of this connection.
  • During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, Tripura played a crucial role, sheltering refugees and hosting liberation warrior camps. The rail link strengthens historical bonds between the two nations.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
  • This rail link fosters closer ties between India and Bangladesh, promoting smoother interactions and cooperation.
  • Similar rail connections like the Bandhan Express, Maitree Express, and Mitali Express have also strengthened the relationship between the two countries.
Important Points:
  • Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link Inauguration:
    • Jointly inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh.
    • Connects Northeast India with Bangladesh, spanning 12.24 kilometers.
    • Reduces travel time between Agartala and Kolkata from 31 hours to 10 hours.
  • Funding and Implementation:
    • Project initiated in 2013 with a total estimated cost of Rs 1255.10 crore.
    • Entire project funded by India, with separate allocations for the Indian and Bangladeshi sides.
    • Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON) and Texmaco (private Indian firm) responsible for implementation.
  • Significance for Tripura:
    • Vital for land-locked Tripura, reducing Agartala-Kolkata distance from 1600 km to 500 km.
    • Emotional significance due to historical role during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, sheltering refugees and hosting liberation warrior camps.
    • Enhances economic prospects and strengthens historical and emotional bonds with Bangladesh.
  • Impact on Bilateral Relations:
    • Fosters closer ties between India and Bangladesh, promoting smoother interactions and cooperation.
    • Complements other existing rail connections like the Bandhan Express, Maitree Express, and Mitali Express.
  • Future Prospects:
    • Promises deeper cooperation, mutual growth, and understanding between India and Bangladesh.
    • Sets the stage for increased trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
    • Symbolizes a significant milestone in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Why In News

The Prime Minister of India and Bangladesh, in a historic virtual ceremony, inaugurated a new rail link connecting Northeast India with Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone in fostering regional connectivity and enhancing bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries.

MCQs about Strengthening Bilateral Ties:Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link Inauguration

  1. What is the total length of the Agartala-Akhaura railway line?
    A. 5.46 kilometers
    B. 12.24 kilometers
    C. 10 hours
    D. 1600 kilometers
    Correct Answer: B. 12.24 kilometers
    Explanation: The railway line spans 12.24 kilometers, with 5.46 kilometers on the Indian side and 6.78 kilometers in Bangladesh.
  2. Who funded the Agartala-Akhaura railway project on the Indian side?
    A. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
    B. Ministry for Development of North East Region (DoNER)
    C. Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON)
    D. Texmaco
    Correct Answer: B. Ministry for Development of North East Region (DoNER)
    Explanation: The Indian side of the project was funded by the Ministry for Development of North East Region (DoNER).
  3. How will the Agartala-Akhaura rail link impact the distance between Agartala and Kolkata?
    A. It will remain the same.
    B. It will increase.
    C. It will decrease from 1600 km to 500 km.
    D. It will decrease from 10 hours to 31 hours.
    Correct Answer: C. It will decrease from 1600 km to 500 km.
    Explanation: This rail link will effectively reduce the distance between Agartala and Kolkata from 1600 kilometers to 500 kilometers.
  4. What is the historical significance of Tripura in the context of India-Bangladesh relations?
    A. It served as a major trading hub.
    B. It hosted refugee camps during the 1971 war.
    C. It was the first state to establish diplomatic relations with Bangladesh.
    D. It played a key role in the creation of Bangladesh.
    Correct Answer: B. It hosted refugee camps during the 1971 war.
    Explanation: During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, Tripura played a crucial role by sheltering refugees and hosting liberation warrior camps.

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