In March 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Maitri Setu, a bridge spanning 1.9 km over the Feni River connecting Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh.

According to a senior government official, passenger movement through the Maitri Setu will commence by September 2024. Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Tripura's Industries and Commerce Department, mentioned during a recent press conference that after passenger movement begins, goods movement is expected to follow in two to three months.

The initiation of goods movement through the bridge is seen as strategically significant, not only for Tripura but also for the entire northeast region. The proximity of the Chittagong port in Bangladesh, just 80 km from Sabroom in Tripura, opens up potential for enhanced trade routes.

Additionally, Gitte announced the reopening of the Kamalasagar border haat in Tripura's Sepahijala district, which was closed due to the Covid pandemic. Currently, the Srinagar border haat in south Tripura district is operational.

Here are key facts about the Maitri Setu and its significance: 1. The Maitri Setu is a 1.9-kilometre-long bridge connecting Sabroom in India's Tripura with Bangladesh's Ramgarh. 2. It spans the Feni River, marking the boundary between the two nations. 3. The bridge symbolises strengthened bilateral relations and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh. 4. Maitri Setu features a pre-stressed concrete structure with a single-span design to facilitate smooth traffic and cargo flow. 5. Construction was overseen by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). 6. The bridge enables the transport of goods from West Bengal to Northeast India via Chittagong and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh. 7. It enhances economic development in Northeastern states and fosters people-to-people connections between India's northeast and Bangladesh. 8. Maitri Setu establishes a new maritime route from Kolkata to Chittagong, providing a faster alternative to the Sittwe Port-Kaladan route and strengthening regional connectivity, trade, and diplomatic relations.

(Source: Financial Express)