Akhaura-Agartola link to top agenda as part of transit
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Munima Sultana
The introduction of Akhaura-Agartola rail connections will dominate the agenda when Bangladesh and India begins talks next week in Dhaka, in a transit facility that could connect Indian Tripura state to Chittagong port.
Officials said the three-day meeting beginning November 9 will also discuss the resumption of suspended train services between Bangladesh and India, which can open up transit facilities to Bhutan and Nepal.
An additional secretary of Bangladesh Railway will lead the Bangladesh side, while the Indian team will be led by additional member of the Indian Railway Board.
Representatives from home and foreign ministries, National Board of Revenue, Bridge Division and other relevant agencies will be present.
Officials of the Communications Ministry and Bangladesh Railway (BR) said the upcoming meeting will discuss the steps on how to set up the Akaura-Agartola rail track based on a joint study.
The study done in August said the rail connections from Agartola to Chittagong port can be established by constructing only 10 km line upto Akhaura. It also specified to develop double lines in some stations to ensure smooth traffic on the 214 kilometre route which ends at Chittagong port.
The report now awaits the prime minister's approval.
The BR officials said the issue of carrying Indian containers through Jamuna Bridge will come up for discussion in the meeting. India asked for allowing transport of containers from its north-western border to Chittagong port.
A senior official said the Indian request could not be entertained as Bridge Division put restrictions on carrying over 5.0 million metric tonnes of goods on the Januma Bridge.
Reducing the travel time of Moitree Express, easing immigration system at the Indian side and introducing return ticket facility for both sides are among the issues to be discussed in the meeting.
Both sides will also discuss the issue of reviving train services--Burimari-Changrabandha and Chilhati-Haldibari, which may open up transit facilities to Nepal and Bhutan.
The introduction of Akhaura-Agartola rail connections will dominate the agenda when Bangladesh and India begins talks next week in Dhaka, in a transit facility that could connect Indian Tripura state to Chittagong port.
Officials said the three-day meeting beginning November 9 will also discuss the resumption of suspended train services between Bangladesh and India, which can open up transit facilities to Bhutan and Nepal.
An additional secretary of Bangladesh Railway will lead the Bangladesh side, while the Indian team will be led by additional member of the Indian Railway Board.
Representatives from home and foreign ministries, National Board of Revenue, Bridge Division and other relevant agencies will be present.
Officials of the Communications Ministry and Bangladesh Railway (BR) said the upcoming meeting will discuss the steps on how to set up the Akaura-Agartola rail track based on a joint study.
The study done in August said the rail connections from Agartola to Chittagong port can be established by constructing only 10 km line upto Akhaura. It also specified to develop double lines in some stations to ensure smooth traffic on the 214 kilometre route which ends at Chittagong port.
The report now awaits the prime minister's approval.
The BR officials said the issue of carrying Indian containers through Jamuna Bridge will come up for discussion in the meeting. India asked for allowing transport of containers from its north-western border to Chittagong port.
A senior official said the Indian request could not be entertained as Bridge Division put restrictions on carrying over 5.0 million metric tonnes of goods on the Januma Bridge.
Reducing the travel time of Moitree Express, easing immigration system at the Indian side and introducing return ticket facility for both sides are among the issues to be discussed in the meeting.
Both sides will also discuss the issue of reviving train services--Burimari-Changrabandha and Chilhati-Haldibari, which may open up transit facilities to Nepal and Bhutan.