Agartala: Tripura’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Sunday expressed concern over key infrastructure projects lying unused due to the prevailing situation in Bangladesh, stressing the need for dialogue to restore peace and stability.
Speaking at a session of the Indian Building Congress’s Tripura chapter, Chowdhury said that several high-value projects, including the Maitri Setu in Sabroom and the Srimantapur land port, have become “ineffectual” despite investments worth crores of rupees.
“Tripura is a landlocked state, and our proximity to Bangladesh makes their stability crucial for us. We don’t consider Bangladesh an enemy; in fact, the country owes its independence to India. We must pray for better times and encourage dialogue for peace, prosperity, and tranquillity,” the minister said.
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The Maitri Setu, built over the Feni River, connects Sabroom with Bangladesh, offering access to the Chittagong Port located about 80 km from the border.
Similarly, the Agartala-Akhaura railway line—another strategic project—remains non-operational due to the current scenario across the border.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah visited Tripura and met Chief Minister Manik Saha.
He also inspected the Maitri Setu and the rail link, sparking hopes that both projects may soon become functional.