India and Bangladesh have a multifaceted historical relationship that has been influenced by various political, economic, and cultural factors. In recent years, particularly over the last twenty years, their bilateral relations have seen notable improvements, especially in infrastructure development. Key areas of collaboration include enhancing road and rail connectivity, which are essential for boosting trade, facilitating travel, and promoting interpersonal connections. The partition of British India in 1947 and the subsequent formation of Pakistan-followed by Bangladesh’s independence in 1971-disrupted many cross-border infrastructure links. For several decades post-independence, transportation and communication between India and Bangladesh were limited and inefficient due to inadequate road and rail networks. The rail connection between Kolkata (India) and Dhaka (Bangladesh) was severed during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani war and remained inactive for over four decades. The period following Bangladesh’s independence was marked by minimal cooperation between the two nations, with strained relations hampering infrastructural progress.

However, a shift towards enhanced collaboration emerged in the early 2000s, with infrastructure development becoming a focal point of their bilateral ties. This era saw the establishment of new road corridors and the gradual restoration of vital rail links, particularly those that enhance connectivity to India’s northeastern states.

Photo of a rail link connecting Akhaura, Bangladesh, to Agartala, Tripura, India

Bilateral Road and Rail Projects

In recent years, India has emerged as a key player in enhancing road infrastructure along the border with Bangladesh. A significant initiative is the India-Bangladesh Transborder Road Connectivity Project, which encompasses the construction of various roads and bridges. A notable example of this effort is the Akhaura-Agartala road corridor, designed to significantly decrease travel time between Tripura in India’s northeast and Bangladesh’s southeastern region. This project aligns with broader objectives to connect Bangladesh with India’s northeastern states, thereby fostering trade and strengthening interpersonal ties.

The Akhaura-Agartala corridor is part of a larger strategy to improve connectivity, which has been a priority for both nations. This initiative not only facilitates transportation but also aims to enhance economic interactions and cultural exchanges between the two countries. By investing in such infrastructure, India and Bangladesh are working towards a more integrated regional framework that supports mutual growth and development.

Key Road Projects:

Maitri Setu: Maitri Setu, also known as the India-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge, spans the Feni River and connects the Indian state of Tripura with Bangladesh, specifically the city of Ramgarh. Officially inaugurated on 9 March 2021 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, this 1.9-kilometre bridge significantly reduces travel........

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