India-Bangladesh Jointly Inaugurated Major Development Projects

• 02 Nov 2023

Source: ET

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Prime Minister and Prime Minister of Bangladesh co-inaugurated three significant Indian-assisted development projects.

What are the Key Projects Inaugurated?

• Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link:
  • Executed under India's grant assistance of Rs 392.52 crore to Bangladesh. Spans 12.24 km, comprising a 6.78 km Dual Gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura.

• Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line:
  • Implemented under India's concessional Line of Credit with a total cost of USD 388.92 million.
  • Involves constructing approximately 65 km of broad gauge rail route connecting Mongla Port with Khulna's existing rail network.
• Maitree Super Thermal Power Project:
  • Carried out under an Indian Concessional Financing Scheme loan of USD 1.6 billion.
  • Houses a 1320 MW (2x660) Super Thermal Power Plant in Rampal, Khulna Division of Bangladesh.
  • Led by Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Private) Limited, a joint venture between India's NTPC Ltd and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
• Significance of the Projects:
  • Connectivity Enhancement: Strengthening cross-border connectivity through rail links, fostering trade and people-to-people ties.
  • Energy Security: Significant contribution towards meeting energy needs and ensuring long-term energy security.
  • Bilateral Relations: Reinforcing the strong bond between India and Bangladesh, showcasing collaborative efforts for mutual prosperity and development in line with India's Neighborhood First policy'.

What are the Other Key Bilateral Developments Between India and Bangladesh?

• India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
• Ganga Waters Treaty and The Kushiyara River Treaty
• Joint Exercises - Army (Exercise Sampriti) and Navy (Exercise Bongosagar)

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (2017)

1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)