The operationalisation of Maitri Setu, a 1.9-kilometre bridge spanning the Feni River and connecting Sabroom in South Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh, marks a transformative development for Northeast Bharat. Built at a cost of Rs 133 crore and inaugurated in June 2017 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Counterpart Sheikh Hasina, the bridge stands as a symbol of Bharat-Bangladesh cooperation.
Located in Sabroom, a crucial border town in Tripura’s South district, Maitri Setu provides a vital link that bypasses traditional routes prone to monsoon disruptions. This connectivity enhancement is particularly significant for States like Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and parts of Assam, which face acute crises of essential commodities during heavy rains due to damaged railway tracks and national highways.
The bridge facilitates the fastest land route to Chittagong Port in Bangladesh from the landlocked Northeast region, drastically reducing transportation distances and costs. Goods from Agartala, for instance, now only need to travel 200 kilometres to reach Chattogram Port, cutting transport costs by 80 per cent compared to previous routes through the Siliguri corridor.
Moreover, Maitri Setu positions Agartala as a strategic hub close to an international sea port, unlocking new markets in East and Southeast Asian economies. This development is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic opportunities not only in Northeast Bharat but also in Bangladesh.
In addition to the bridge, the inauguration of an Integrated Check Post or ICP at Sabroom, a project worth Rs 232 crore managed by the Land Ports Authority of India, further facilitates seamless movement of goods and passengers between Bharat and Bangladesh. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Look East Policy, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration with Eastern and Southeast Asian nations.
