India-Bangladesh connectivity could get a boost with new Tripura link

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As part of building greater connectivity between India and Bangladesh, a proposal has been made to set up a new land customs station (LCS) at Raishyabari in Tripura’s Dhalai district, which borders Bangladesh. </p>
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Rebati Tripura, Lok Sabha MP from east Tripura has written to Piyush Goyal, minister Commerce and Industries underlining the need for setting up of LCS at Raishyabari.</p>
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The MP said that setting up of LCS in Raishyabari would provide easy access to the people of Bangladesh visiting India during the Dumboor Mela. The Dumboor Mela, which is organised by the state government, takes place on Makar Sankranti.</p>
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“Dumboor fair is organised every year in Raishyabari, which is also known as Sankranti fair and it attracts lakhs of tourists from around the region…if Land Custom Station (LCS) is established in Raishyabatri, Dumboor fair will get international flair and would be immensely beneficial from a commercial perspective and also strengthen economic aspects of the state,” Rebati wrote in his letter. According to a report published by the Daily Star, the proposal is made against the backdrop that works on three major Indo-Bangla connectivity projects — the Agartala-Akhaura passenger railway project, Feni bridge, and a new Integrated Check Post at Sabroom — underway.</p>
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Rebati noted that the Dumboor fair is of interest to lakhs of tourists in the region. Setting up of an LCS will facilitate movement of people and will attract tourists from Bangladesh.</p>
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The two countries have already decided to improve connectivity. In December, rail connectivity between Haldibari in West Bengal and Chilahati in Bangladesh was resumed after almost 55 years.</p>
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The two countries are now working out the modalities to open up a bus route between Dhaka and Siliguri. The route is expected to be opened this year.</p>
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Besides, India is also looking at fast-tracking the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India Nepal (BBIN) initiative which will boost connectivity among the South Asian neighbours through rail and road.</p>