Akhaura-Agartala dual gauge rail project approved

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved six development projects including Akhaura-Agartala Dual Gauge Rail Link Project, with an outlay of Taka 1,095.47 crore.

 

The approval came at the meeting of the ECNEC held in the NEC conference room in city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

 

"ECNEC has okayed Akhaura-Agartala Dual Gauge Rail Link project with an estimated cost of Taka 477.81 crore ," Planning Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal told newsmen after the meeting, reports BSS.

 

The project will increase further inter-connectivity between Bangladesh and Indian north-east states and expand the bilateral trade with India, he said. 

 

"Of the total cost, Indian government will provide Tk 420.76 crore as assistance while Bangladesh government will provide Tk 57.05 crore," the planning minister added.

 

According to Bangladesh-India agreement on 2013, 15.054km rail track will be built for the Agartala-Akhaura rail link, he said adding that of the total track, only 5.05km will be on the Indian side and the rest part in Bangladesh.

 

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the authority concerned to implement the project quickly. 

 

Mustafa Kamal said "The government will provide Taka 674.71 crore from the national exchequer for the six development projects while the remaining Taka 420.76 crore will come as project assistance." 

 

The minister also said the number of development projects will be increased in the current financial year as the government will take small projects to develop the living standard of backward community.