AGARTALA, Sept 2 - Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said Sabroom, Tripura�s southern-most border subdivision, would be the gateway to Northeastern India once Feni bridge is made operational.
The bridge over river Feni is not only important for Tripura, it is equally strategic for the entire North East as Sabroom is only 67 km from Bangladesh�s Chittagong port, he said.
�While Shillong, capital of Meghalaya is far away from Haldia port, Guwahati, State capital of Assam is also far (1,220 km) from Haldia port in West Bengal. But Sabroom is so near from Chittagong port � only 67 km. That�s why Feni bridge at Sabroom is so special and it is going to be a lifeline for the entire North East�, he said.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a discussion on strengthening Indo-Bangladesh relationship organised by Agartala Press Club here on Sunday.
�I have been personally monitoring the progress of the bridge works. Nineteen pillars have already been constructed and the bridge is expected to be completed by December 2019�, he said.
Not only North East, Bangladesh will also be benefitted if Feni bridge is made operational because they will get tariff/ tax/transportation charge on Indian goods, Deb pointed out.
Deb said the State Government has already proposed to allow on-spot delivery of Bangladesh goods to save transportation cost. �Cost of loading and unloading of goods from Bangladesh is substantially high leading to hike in the price. Transportation cost will be reduced if Bangladeshi trucks carrying goods are allowed to deliver at destinations in Indian side�, he said adding that the matter is under consideration of Delhi.
Media Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury in his speech hoped the bilateral ties with India would continue to flourish with both side agreeing to work for mutual benefits.
While convener of Agartala Press Club Pranab Sarkar and veteran editor Subal Kumar Deb also spoke on the occasion.