Tripura to connect with Kolkata, Paradip, Visakhapatnam through Bangladesh via waterways
The central government in India is working to enhance Tripura's connectivity with Kolkata, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam via Bangladesh using waterways, Union Shipping, Ports, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Monday (10 February), reports India Today.
"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, we are working to establish direct waterways connectivity from Tripura to Kolkata, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam via Bangladesh. This will open doors to vast international markets and leverage Tripura's strategic position as a trade hub," he stated.
Speaking at a press conference in Agartala, the Union minister highlighted India's progress under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
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Sonowal praised India's recently announced Union budget, presented by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stating that it would benefit farmers, the poor, youth, women, and the middle class while further strengthening the economy.
He also noted that India's advancements over the past decade have contributed to self-reliance and highlighted the Northeast's rapid development.
"In the last ten years, the Northeast has seen remarkable growth, evident in Tripura. The state now has around 24 flights operating daily. While only a meter gauge railway was available until 2014, today, Tripura is connected by broad gauge and nearly 30 express trains," he said.
The minister also emphasized the growing international demand for Tripura's agricultural products, including jackfruits and pineapples. He noted that enhanced transportation infrastructure had helped the state's produce reach global markets.
On the development of waterways, Sonowal revealed plans to deploy jetties along the Gomati River, which will improve Tripura's access to the Bay of Bengal.
