Maitri Setu

• 12 Jun 2024

Source: ET

Why in News?

The Maitri Setu, also known as the India-Bangladesh friendship bridge, is set to open by September, connecting India's landlocked Northeast to the Bay of Bengal.

What are the Key Facts about the Maitri-Setu?

• About:
  • The bridge is 1.9 kilometres long and connects Sabroom in Tripura with Ramgarh in Bangladesh.
  • Maitri Setu is constructed over the Feni River, which acts as a boundary between India (in Tripura) and Bangladesh.
  • The name ‘Maitri Setu’ signifies the strengthening of bilateral relations and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh.
  • It is a pre-stressed concrete bridge with a single-span structure that facilitates smooth traffic and cargo flow.
  • The construction of the bridge has been supervised by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL).
    • NHIDCL is a government-owned company established in 2014 for the development & maintenance of National Highways & Strategic Roads of India. It operates as a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Significance:
  • The bridge will play a central role in allowing India to transport goods from West Bengal to Northeast India through the Chittagong and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh.
    • Cargo movement through the bridge is strategically important as Bangladesh's Chittagong port is just 80km from Tripura's Sabroom.
  • It would serve as a new trade corridor between the two countries, helping in the development of Northeastern states. It will also enhance people-to-people connect between India’s northeast and Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh is the biggest trade partner of India in South Asia and an integral part of India's Act East Policy.
  • The completion of Maitri Setu bridge will strengthen India’s strategic ties as well as bilateral trade with Bangladesh.
• The new maritime route from Kolkata to Chittagong will provide the quickest way for the movement of goods and an alternative to the Sittwe Port-Kaladan route.

Key Facts about Feni River

• It originates in the South Tripura district, passes through Sabroom town in India, and flows into Bangladesh before meeting the Bay of Bengal.
• The river is 116 kilometres long from its source to the Bay of Bengal.
• Some notable tributaries of the Feni River include the Muhuri River, Raidak River, Chandkhira River, Ryang River, and Kushiyara River.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

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)