The northeastern states, often plagued by connectivity challenges and isolated from mainland India during monsoon season, are poised to benefit significantly from improved connectivity with the operationalization of Maitri Setu in Sabroom, a border town in Tripura’s South district.
How Tripura's Maitri Setu will become Gateway of Southeast Asia
This development is particularly critical during the monsoon, when communication disruptions on national highways and railways frequently lead to shortages of essential commodities.
Historically, Tripura and other northeastern states have relied heavily on railways and roadways via Assam for the import and export of goods. However, heavy rainfall often damages railway tracks and national highways, exacerbating crises in fuel and other essential supplies in states like Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and parts of Assam.
Information about Maitri Setu
Maitri Setu, a 1.9-kilometer-long bridge spanning the Feni River, links Sabroom in South Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh. Constructed at a cost of INR 133 crore by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), this bridge exemplifies collaboration between India and Bangladesh. Inaugurated in June 2017 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the project was fully financed by the Indian central government.
Northeastern Gateway
Maitri Setu provides the most efficient land route linking the landlocked Northeast region of India to Chittagong Port in Bangladesh via Sabroom. The bridge's opening is anticipated to significantly enhance trade and tourism across South Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and other northeastern states. Additionally, it promises to generate numerous opportunities in Bangladesh.
Tripura shares an interstate border with Assam and Mizoram, along with an international border stretching 856 kilometers alongside Bangladesh.
By optimizing transportation routes, the bridge opens access to previously unexploited markets in East and Southeast Asian economies. Currently, goods from Agartala travel 1,600 kilometers through the Siliguri corridor to reach Kolkata Port. However, utilizing Bangladesh as a transit route reduces this distance to 450 kilometers. If Indian trucks have access through the borders, goods from Agartala could reach Chattogram Port in Bangladesh with just 200 kilometers of travel, slashing transport costs by 80 percent.
Furthermore, the bridge positions Agartala as one of the closest cities to an international seaport, unlocking new markets in East and Southeast Asian economies and solidifying Tripura's role as a pivotal gateway to the Northeast.
Sabroom's Integrated Check Post (ICP)
The inauguration of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Sabroom, alongside the Maitri Setu bridge, represents a crucial step in enhancing connectivity and economic integration between India and Bangladesh. Managed by the Land Ports Authority of India with an investment of INR 232 crore, this project aims to facilitate smooth movement of goods and passengers. Aligned with Prime Minister Modi's Look East Policy, it seeks to boost trade and commerce with Eastern and South-East Asian countries.
The operationalization of Maitri Setu and the ICP at Sabroom signifies a significant milestone in linking Northeast India with Bangladesh and beyond. This development is poised to bring economic prosperity and enhanced infrastructure to the region, benefiting both nations.
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