Synopsis
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the 'Maitri Setu' will transform Tripura into a gateway for northeastern states and Southeast Asia, fostering trade and connectivity post its operationalization.Key Takeaways
- Tripura to become a key gateway for trade with Southeast Asia.
- 'Maitri Setu' connects India and Bangladesh, enhancing regional connectivity.
- Agartala-Akhaura railway project will boost transportation.
- Special Economic Zone in Sabroom to attract industrial investment.
- Focus on developing rubber and bamboo industries.
Agartala, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, emphasized on Saturday that with the upcoming operationalization of the newly constructed 'Maitri Setu' over the Feni river connecting India and Bangladesh, the state is poised to become the gateway for both the northeastern states and the nations of southeast Asia.
During the second day of the two-day 'Business Conclave', the Chief Minister highlighted that the crucial 'Maitri Setu', which leads to the Chittagong seaport in Bangladesh, is ready for use, transforming Tripura into a pivotal connection for the northeastern states and southeast Asian countries.
On March 9, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina virtually launched the 'Maitri Setu'.
This approximately 1.9 km-long double-lane 'Maitri Setu', constructed at an investment of Rs 129 crore, links Sabroom in southern Tripura with the Chittagong seaport in Bangladesh through Ramgarh.
Additionally, Saha mentioned that the Agartala-Akhaura railway project is nearing completion, which will further connect the northeastern states with the rest of the country via Bangladesh. Three modern integrated checkposts have also been established along the Bangladesh border to enhance trade and facilitate smooth cross-border movement.
Saha noted that under the 'HIRA' (Highways, Internet, Railways, and Airways) model provided by the Prime Minister, the state currently boasts six National Highways totaling 853 km, while the Agartala airport has achieved international standards, ranking as the second busiest airport in the northeastern region after Guwahati.
A Special Economic Zone is being developed in the southern Tripura town of Sabroom, attracting interest from numerous industrialists for investment opportunities.
Located just 72 km from the Chittagong seaport, which is the only international port near the northeastern region of India, Sabroom stands to benefit significantly.
With Tripura being the second-largest natural rubber producer in the country after Kerala, with rubber cultivated over 1.10 lakh hectares, there is a significant potential for establishing rubber-based industries, especially given its 856 km border with Bangladesh.
To promote the natural rubber industry, a second rubber park will be established in Santir Bazar in southern Tripura, as stated by Saha.
The state government has also developed a policy aimed at achieving a business turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in agarwood aromatics, as Tripura currently has over 5 million agar trees covering 2,000 hectares.
The Chief Minister mentioned that Tripura is home to 21 species of bamboo, and the government has launched a state bamboo mission to foster the development of this vital resource.
“More than 1.49 lakh artisans in Tripura produce a variety of value-added products and furniture worth Rs 35.34 crore from various types of bamboo,” he added.
He proposed the creation of a tourist circuit that encompasses all northeastern states and neighboring countries.
Claiming that Tripura is evolving rapidly, Saha reported that the per capita income of Rs 1.77 lakh is at an all-time high, with a GSDP growth rate of 8.9 percent, the second highest among northeastern states.
With substantial natural gas reserves and being a power surplus state, Tripura is recognized as a top-performing state in the country, according to the Chief Minister.
The two-day 'Destination Tripura -- Business Conclave-2025' was organized to attract investment across various sectors, with around 150 industrialists and investors participating from different states.
