Tripura’s Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has expressed concern over the temporary halt of several Indo-Bangladesh connectivity projects, underlining their importance not only for India’s Northeast but also for strengthening ties with Bangladesh.

Speaking at the 19th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Building Congress (IBC) Tripura Centre in Agartala, Chowdhury noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformation of the Look East Policy into the Act East Policy was aimed at boosting regional cooperation. He said Tripura, surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides, stands to gain significantly from enhanced cross-border connectivity.

The minister stressed that infrastructure development must go beyond roads and buildings, encompassing railways, national highways, and waterways that directly link India with Bangladesh. “Such projects are not just about Tripura’s development but also about strengthening the friendship and economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh,” he said.

Referring to stalled works worth thousands of crores at Nischintapur and Sabroom—crucial points for Indo-Bangladesh trade and transit—Chowdhury voiced disappointment over the pause in progress. However, he expressed optimism that the two nations would overcome present challenges.

“We have always regarded Bangladesh as a close neighbor and brotherly nation. Though the present situation is unfortunate, we firmly believe that peace, prosperity, and mutual harmony will soon be restored,” the minister remarked.

He called upon all stakeholders on both sides of the border to work together so that connectivity projects resume, paving the way for regional growth and reinforcing the longstanding India-Bangladesh partnership.